FARGO, N.D. - For the second straight game, North Dakota State strikes first against a Summit League opponent, but Western Illinois scores late to send the game to overtime, and then gets the victory with a goal in double overtime to down the Bison 2-1 on Senior Day.  The loss drops NDSU to 10-6-0 overall and 2-3-0 in Summit League play.

After a scoreless first half, freshman Abbey Stratton connected on penalty kick, putting a shot into the left side of the net past Western Illinois (12-1-1, 5-0-0) goalkeeper Meghan Tyk in the 47th minute to put the Bison on top 1-0.  NDSU had a number of scoring opportunities in the half, including hitting the crossbar in the 68th minute, but were unable to convert.

The Westerwinds tied the game in the 87th minute as Bess Rapp's shot deflected off a Bison defender and sailed over the head of goalkeeper Monica Morgan to send the game into overtime.  In the second overtime period, Misako Inaba took a feed from Rapp and was able to beat Morgan with the game-winner.  The victory gives Western Illinois sole possession of first place in the Summit League with 15 points (5-0-0).

Saturday's game marked the final home game for six Bison seniors who have played a significant role in helping NDSU establish itself as a soccer power.  Ashley Chandler (Rapid City, S.D.), Kelsey Hohol (Calgary, Alberta), Michelle Martinez (Winnipeg, Manitoba), Jessica Nei (St. Cloud, Minn.), Patty Romeo (Winnipeg, Manitoba) and Jami Rozell (Muskogee, Okla.) have helped lead the Bison to 50 wins, a 23-4-2 home record, and four 10-win seasons since 2003.

North Dakota State closes out the 2007 season on the road with three Summit League contests. The Bison travel to Tulsa, Okla., to battle Oral Roberts on Friday, Oct. 26, followed by a meeting with Centenary in Shreveport, La., on Sunday, Oct. 28.  NDSU wraps up its season in Cedar City, Utah, against Southern Utah on Friday, Nov. 3.