October 5, 2026

MADISON, S.D. — Dakota State (S.D.) sophomore midfielder Nichole Corona was named the California Pacific Conference (Cal Pac) Women's Soccer Offensive co-Player of the Week, the conference announced Monday.  The Trojans earned their third conference weekly honor this season.

Corona, a native of Chula Vista, Calif., earned the weekly honor after making Dakota State history in the Trojans' victory over Hannibal-LaGrange (Mo.) on Sept. 29.

Corona recorded the first hat trick of her collegiate career and the first hat trick in Dakota State women's soccer program history, helping the Trojans secure their first victory of the 2026 season.

The sophomore scored three times, all in the second half, as Dakota State broke through offensively against the Trojans of Hannibal-LaGrange.  She scored in the 57^th, 68^th, and 87^th minute of the match to fuel DSU to a 4-0 shutout victory.

Corona shared the Cal Pac Offensive Player of the Week award with Marlene Gonzalez of Westcliff (Calif.). Gonzalez scored four goals and added two assists in Westcliff's 9-0 victory over Justice University (Ariz.).

Dakota State continues their action Monday (tonight) as they host rival Dakota Wesleyan (S.D.).  Kick-off is set for 6 p.m. at Dan Beacom Track & Field.

DSU concludes their home schedule Wednesday evening versus Waldorf (Iowa) at 6 p.m.  The Trojans end the week with a road match at Bellevue (Neb.) on Saturday.