FARGO, N.D. – The North Dakota State women's soccer team picked up a pivotal victory over South Dakota Friday night at Dacotah Field, defeating the Coyotes 4-1 to clinch a spot in the Summit League Tournament.
 
Lavin Douglass opened the scoring for the Bison in the 28^th minute. Olivia Watson won the ball in the midfield and then played the ball to Kelsey Kallio, who found Douglass. The senior then struck a left-footed shot across the face of goal and just inside the right post from the edge of the penalty area.
 
In the second half, South Dakota scored an equalizer in the 52^nd minute with a give and go play with Ashby Johnston scoring.
 
The Bison responded quickly as Olivia Watson scored her first of two goals in the game in the 63^rd minute. Douglass won the ball in midfield and sent a long pass in to Watson who settled and got a deflected shot into the right corner.
 
43 seconds later, the Bison added another as Jess Hanley sent a long ball in to Olivia Lovick, who worked herself into space and fired a shot into the left corner to make it 3-1 for the Bison.
 
NDSU would add a final goal in the 89^th minute to seal the victory as Douglass sent a cross in to Kallio, who found Watson in front of goal. Watson turned and fired a shot into the corner.
 
The Bison out shot South Dakota 20-8 in the game with 10 shots on goal for NDSU to just five for the Coyotes. Abby Wilkinson made four saves for NDSU.
 
With the win, the Bison clinch a spot in the Summit League Tournament next week.
 
The Bison will wrap up the regular season and home schedule on Sunday as NDSU hosts South Dakota State at Dacotah Field. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.