Jackrabbits down ORU, 1-0

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BROOKINGS – The Jackrabbits didn’t keep the home crowd in suspense at Sunday’s Senior Day like they have in the last three home matches.

Bianca Madonia scored in the 61st minute of play to help lead South Dakota State to a 1-0 Summit League win over Oral Roberts.

That was the earliest goal that the Jackrabbits had tallied in four home conference matches after netting the winning-goal in the first three matches in the final minute of play, including their double-overtime win over Denver.

Madonia took a long pass from Annie Williams; dribbled down the right touch line and fired a shot from just outside the 18 box that probably didn’t have the angle until ORU goalkeeper Ryleigh Bohnensteihl jumped up to try to push the ball over the crossbar and instead, it deflected off the upright and into the net for a goal.

But it wasn’t like SDSU didn’t have the stats on its side – outshooting ORU 8-2 in the first half, en route to a 15-3 edge, overall – which included a 6-1 advantage in shots on goal.

The Jacks also had three second-half corner kicks to none for the visitors.

“To be honest, I didn’t think we played great in the first half and I thought Oral Roberts had a lot of the ball,” said SDSU head coach Brock Thompson. “We were just a little bit late – a half of a step away – just proud of how our team regrouped in the second half. I thought we put better pressure on the ball; caused them to turn it over a little bit; and then we were a little bit better off the interception.

“Games are going to be decided by a play here or there, and (today was) just another testament to that.”

SDSU improved to 6-1 in conference play and 11-5-1 overall while ORU dropped to 3-4 and 8-11.

The Jackrabbits travel to Grand Forks, N.D., on Friday for their final regular-season match.

Kickoff is at 1 p.m.