September 29, 2026
HANNIBAL, Mo. — Nichole Corona recorded a second-half hat trick Tuesday afternoon as Dakota State (S.D.) erupted for four goals after intermission to shut out Hannibal-LaGrange (Mo.) 4-0 in a non-conference women's soccer contest. It was the first time in DSU women's soccer program history to record a hat trick (three goals scored by the same athlete).
The Trojans improved to 1-8-2 overall with the victory and concluded their three-match road trip in Missouri Tuesday. Hannibal-LaGrange fell to 0-8 overall record.
How it happened
Neither team was able to break through during the opening 45 minutes despite Dakota State holding a commanding advantage in possession and scoring opportunities.
The Trojans fired 13 shots in the first half and forced Hannibal-LaGrange goalkeeper Elizabeth Henry to make seven saves. Dakota State also generated six corner kicks in the opening period. The host Trojans managed just two shots in the first half.
Dakota State continued applying pressure immediately after halftime. Maria Júlia Neves Plens and
Onika Kline each had attempts early in the second half before Corona hit the crossbar in the 56th minute.
Corona finally broke the scoreless deadlock at the 57:35 mark.
Hannah Hint provided the assist as Corona found the net for a 1-0 Dakota State lead.
The Trojans nearly doubled their advantage five minutes later when
Samantha Bonar struck the crossbar.
Madison Smalley also had a shot stopped by a defensive save as Dakota State continued to control the offensive end.
Corona struck again at 68:54.
Katie Brown had her shot saved by Henry before Corona converted the ensuing opportunity to extend DSU's advantage to 2-0.
Aislyn Holden added Dakota State's third goal in the 81st minute. Bonar set up Holden for the goal at 80:42, pushing the Trojans' lead to 3-0.
Corona completed her hat trick with 2:14 remaining in the match. She scored her third goal of the afternoon at 87:46 to produce the final margin of 4-0. Holden nearly added another goal in the final minute when her shot struck the crossbar.
Inside the box score
Corona finished with a match-high seven shots, including four on goal, and scored three times. She accounted for the game-winning goal and all three of her goals came during a span of just over 30 minutes in the second half.
Neves Plens added a goal on three shots with two attempts on target. Smalley recorded four shots and placed three on goal. Kline, Brown and Holden each attempted three shots.
Hint and Bonar each registered an assist for Dakota State. Hint finished with two shots, while Bonar had two attempts and one shot on goal.
Dakota State goalkeeper
Sierra Verplancke recorded the shutout after playing all 90 minutes. She stopped both Hannibal-LaGrange shots on goal to earn the victory.
Henry collected 13 saves for Hannibal-LaGrange. Arwen Wright added two defensive saves. Brooke Dollard led HLGU with two shots, including one on goal, while Macy Holloway registered the other shot on target.
Dakota State held a 33-5 advantage in total shots and a 19-2 edge in shots on goal. The Trojans also held a 10-0 advantage in corner kicks. DSU committed nine fouls compared with six by Hannibal-LaGrange and was called offside 10 times.
Up next
Dakota State returns home Saturday to kick off their three-match home stand at the Beacom PREMIER Complex. The Trojans host NCAA Division III Nebraska Wesleyan as part of DSU's Senior Night. Kick-off is set for 6 p.m. at Dan Beacom Track & Field.
