November 9, 2025
LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. – No. 6 seed Dakota State (S.D.) closed out its season on Sunday afternoon, falling 4–0 to no. 2 seed Bellevue (Neb.) in the Continental Athletic Conference (CAC) Women's Soccer Postseason Tournament's semifinal match at the Grizzly Soccer Complex. The Bruins struck twice in each half and controlled the run of play, while the Trojans battled defensively behind a standout effort in goal.
Bellevue opened the scoring in the 7th minute when Baylee Tex finished off a combination play from Morgan Miller and Katrina Avila. Tex added her second goal in the 28th minute on an assist from Mia Hurt to push the lead to 2–0. The Bruins maintained heavy pressure throughout the first half, generating 20 shots and 12 corner kicks in the opening 45 minutes.
Dakota State goalkeeper
Sierra Verplancke kept the Trojans in the match, making 11 first-half saves as the Trojans absorbed wave after wave of attacking pressure. Verplancke added six more saves in the second half to finish with 17 saves on 21 shots on goal.
Bellevue extended its lead after halftime. Aileen Perez scored in the 66th minute off another setup by Hurt and Miller, and Avila made it 4–0 in the 72nd minute, again with Hurt providing the assist. The Bruins outshot the Trojans 34–2 overall and finished with a 21–1 advantage in shots on goal.
Dakota State generated its best look late, when
Aislyn Holden forced a save in the 88th minute, but Bellevue goalkeeper Abril Cura completed the shutout.
Stat Highlights (DSU):
Stat Highlights (Bellevue):
- Goals: Baylee Tex (2), Aileen Perez (1), Katrina Avila (1)
- Assists: Mia Hurt (3), Morgan Miller (2), Avila (1)
- Goalkeeper: Abril Cura – 1 save, shutout
Dakota State concludes its season 1–14–3 overall. Bellevue improves to 12–2–2, advancing to the CAC Women's Soccer championship match Tuesday afternoon versus top-seeded and host-team Georgia Gwinnett.
