GRAND FORKS, N.D. – Despite a tight defensive effort that yielded a 50-50 split in possession, the University of North Dakota (5-9 Summit) fell in its Spring 2021 finale to South Dakota, 3-0.

The Fighting Hawks won the first half battle for ball control with 51-percent in their favor and turned that possession into two corner kicks as well. UND worked well in the flanks, crossing several balls from the fringe of the 18-yard that USD goalkeeper Caroline Lewis dove to punch and clear out of the box.

Lewis' play did not allow the Hawks to put a shot on goal, though UND had its chances from set-pieces and through the run of play, placing the ball on the side netting or over the target. Bailey McNitt just missed scoring her first goal of the season in the 35th minute on a corner kick, placing the in-swinging ball just inches shy of the far post woodwork for a goal kick.

South Dakota scored in the 19th minute, set up by a Jordan Centineo free-kick that allowed Shaylee Gailus to score and break the shutout. After leading 1-0 at halftime, the Coyotes scored twice in the second half's opening three minutes, led by a Centineo goal 48 seconds into the half. Alexis Mitchell failed to score on a hard-hit penalty to the bottom left corner of the goal as Madi Livingston stifled the shot. Still, Mitchell put the spilled save into the net to triple USD's lead. Livingston closed the match with five saves.

For more news on the UND Soccer program, visit FightingHawks.com. Follow UND Soccer on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram at @UNDsoccer.