GRAND FORKS, N.D. – The University of North Dakota women's soccer team opened Summit League play with a 4-0 shutout victory over rival North Dakota State on Thursday at Bronson Field. The Fighting Hawks have now won their conference opener for the first time since the 2019 season and improved to 4-3-1 overall with their third consecutive victory.
The Hawks have defeated the Bison in each of the last two seasons, marking the first time UND has defeated NDSU in consecutive seasons since winning three straight from 2001-03. North Dakota also picked up its first home victory over North Dakota State since the 2021 season, when the Hawks earned a 1-0 win. The four-goal margin marked the largest victory over the Bison in program history.
The Fighting Hawks showed offensive pressure early, nearly finding the back of the net off a corner kick in the eighth minute. UND was awarded eight corner kicks in the opening 45 minutes.
Cora Ellermann broke through in the 34th minute after UND was awarded a free kick just outside the box. Ellermann curled the attempt into the net to give the Hawks a 1-0 advantage into halftime.
Defensively,
Lillian Bashaw,
Bailee Zentner and
Addison Stadden helped the Hawks limit the Bison to just three shots in the opening half, with only one reaching the frame.
North Dakota continued to apply pressure early in the second half. Stadden sent a ball from nearly midfield toward
Charlie Basinet, who was stationed just outside the Bison goal. Basinet got a touch on the ball and found the back of the net to give UND a 2-0 lead.
Basinet struck again less than eight minutes later. The junior drove the ball toward the box before sending a shot over the Bison goalkeeper to extend UND's lead to 3-0 in the 72nd minute.
North Dakota State nearly got on the board after being awarded a penalty kick, but UND goalkeeper
Thale Ruether stepped up to make the save and remain perfect on penalty kicks this season.
Less than two minutes later, the Hawks were awarded a penalty kick of their own after being fouled in the box. Ellermann stepped up and converted the attempt, sneaking the ball into the left corner to give UND a 4-0 advantage.
The Bison continued to pressure in the second half, recording 16 shots, including six on goal. Ruether turned away all six attempts to secure her second shutout of the season.
The Fighting Hawks return to action Sunday at South Dakota State. First kick is set for 1 p.m. at Fishback Soccer Park in Brookings, S.D.
POSTGAME NOTES
- The Fighting Hawks still trail the all-time series against the Bison, 5-13-2.
- The Hawks were awarded 11 corner kicks, their second-highest total of the season.
- North Dakota State held 51 percent of the possession and recorded 19 shots, including six on goal.
- Cora Ellermann led the Hawks with four shots. Felicitas Uhlig and Charlie Basinet each recorded three.
- Ellermann remains perfect from the penalty spot this season, going 2-for-2. The Hawks are now 3-for-3 on penalty kicks as a team.
- Hannah Peters was the only Hawk other than Ruether to play the full 90 minutes. She recorded two shots.
HOW IT HAPPENED
First Half
32:41 | UND -
Cora Ellermann (3)
Second Half
53:25 | UND -
Charlie Basinet (3) assisted by
Addison Stadden
71:24 | UND –
Charlie Basinet (4)
81:42 | UND –
Cora Ellermann (4) penalty kick
For more information on North Dakota soccer, visit FightingHawks.com or follow on social media
@UNDsoccer.
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