OMAHA, Neb. – South Dakota State shook off an early deficit and a late equalizer to pull out a 3-2 golden-goal victory at Creighton Sunday, claiming the win on Leah Manuleleua's goal in the 93rd minute.
The Jackrabbits (2-3-1) fell behind early, and after taking the lead with a pair of second half goals saw Creighton (0-5) respond with 40 seconds remaining in regulation to tie it and force overtime.
State responded to the adversity, however, and blitzed the Bluejay defense from the opening whistle of the extra period, walking off when Tori Poole found Manuleleua open in the box for a one-touch score.
Manuleleua, Kelsi Wipf and Annie Williams scored for the Jackrabbits while Poole, who (along with Nicole Hatcher) led the team with three shots, recorded the lone assist for SDSU.
South Dakota State found itself in a 1-0 hole early when Creighton countered an aggressive Jackrabbit start, netting a goal on a header at 4:04.
The rest of the half saw SDSU push for a response, firing four total shots in the period, but the Bluejay defense held firm and sent the Jackrabbits to the locker room trailing by one.
Out of the break, State continued to threaten with several close calls, but didn't break through until 73:29 when Wipf connected on a free kick from 30 yards out, launching the ball from the far side of the field into the near lower net.
11 minutes later, Williams gave the Jackrabbits their first lead of the day with another long-distance goal, striking the ball from 25 yards out on the near side of the field. Williams' shot was initially stopped, then misplayed by the keeper as it bounced into the goal at 84:47.
The advantage was short-lived, however, as Creighton re-tied things with the clock winding down, using a free kick from 20 yards out to spark a scramble in the box, a late equalizer that forced overtime.
Facing a golden-goal situation for the second consecutive game, SDSU had a shot and corner kick opportunity in the opening two minutes of extra time, ending things on Manuleleua's second goal of the season at 92:02.
Game Notes – South Dakota State is now 2-10-1 all-time against Creighton... Kelsi Wipf scored her first career goal
SDSU is now 18-16-40 in games that go to extra time and 8-9 in single overtime contests.
Up Next – South Dakota State continues its five-game road trip next weekend with games at Northern Iowa Friday and Drake Sunday.
