TULSA, Okla. Lauren Walters goal in the 72nd minute on Thursday afternoon lifted the South Dakota State soccer team to a victory over Denver and secured SDSU a spot in the Summit League Tournament championship game.
Each team had one shot in the first half. Hailee Christensen passed the ball to Mia Bosch in the box in the 72nd minute. That pass was intercepted by a Denver defender who then tried to clear it but Walter got in the way of the pass. She then kicked the ball into the top-right corner of the net from 22 yards out to put SDSU up 1-0.
SDSU had three more shots over the next three minutes. Denver had opportunities in the 81st and 83rd minute but neither found the back of the net. The Pioneers then had three offsides calls in the final minutes and SDSU hung on for the win.
It was Walters fifth goal of the season and her third goal in the past four matches.
SDSU had nine shots and three of them were on goal. Bosch and Emma Brezenski each had two shots and one was on goal. Walters lone shot of the game was her goal. Makynlie Cade had three shots and Taryn Hettich had one shot.
Mallorie Benhart was the goalkeeper for SDSU and had three saves.
The Jacks are now 12-2-6 overall. This is the third consecutive conference championship appearance for SDSU and the Jacks have won the past two tournaments.
SDSU will take on Oral Roberts on Sunday at 1 p.m. You can watch the game on the Summit League Network.
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