First-year forward Abby Brantner scored a goal in the 11th minute to propel the St. Thomas women’s soccer team to a 1-0 win over North Dakota Friday at South Field.
The matchup marked the Tommies’ (4-11-1, 2-6 Summit) second conference win of the season, lifting them above the Fighting Hawks (3-12-1, 1-7 Summit) to 9th place in the Summit League standings.
“We knew that this was a game that we had, and we wanted to go out and prove ourselves,” Brantner said. “Everything clicked, it was fantastic and we’re all so incredibly proud.”
The Tommies’ offense was clicking during the match with ten shots on goal, but were only able to push the ball across the goal line once on the day.
Brantner’s goal came off of an assist by first-year forward Lexi Huber. Huber’s initial shot was blocked by junior goalkeeper Madi Livingston, but as she tried to haul in the ball, Brantner put home the rebound
“It’s great to see Abby and Lexi Huber connect again,” coach Sheila McGill said. “They seem to have a pretty good connection for scoring goals right now.”
Brantner and Huber make up seven of the Tommies’ 13 goals on the season. Huber leads the team with four goals, followed by three from Brantner.
The Tommies’ defense also played well in the match, only allowing the Fighting Hawks six shots on goal. McGill commended her team for allowing so few shots and keeping the ball out of the goal box.
“They really showed that when they work together and when they cover for each other that we can really keep the shots to a minimum,” McGill said.
The defense held pressure on North Dakota for the remaining 79 minutes after the early St. Thomas score. Sophomore goalkeeper Olivia Graupmann had a light day, only having to make six saves in the game.
The Tommies’ victory was their second home win in a row, extending their home record to 3-2-1 on the season. St. Thomas looks to continue its winning streak in the final match of the team’s inaugural Division I season.
“We’re going to go into it with the same mindset that we’re coming off of a win here, so we can keep this motivation going forward,” Brantner said. “We want to end with a win, and I think we can do it.”
The Tommies will host North Dakota State University as they celebrate senior day on Sunday, Oct. 31 at 1 p.m. at South Field.
Cam Kauffman can be reached at kauf8536@stthomas.edu.