BROOKINGS, S.D. – Sophomore Kristen Rodriguez headed home a goal in the 96^th minute to help the Loyola University Chicago women’s soccer team earn a hard-fought 2-1 overtime victory over the South Dakota State Jackrabbits on Sunday afternoon at Fishback Soccer Park.

“I’m extremely proud of the girls,” said Loyola head coach Barry Bimbi.  “Coming on a long road trip like this and playing two games on grass when we’re used to playing on turf is not easy.  We battled through some tough conditions with the wind and heat today as well.  We made some mistakes early and could’ve easily folded but the girls showed a ton of character to get the victory.”

The Jackrabbits were the aggressors in the early going on a hot day in Brookings, registering a pair of corners within the first five minutes of the game.  The Loyola defense would stand tall in support of junior goalkeeper Monica Gonyo to keep the game scoreless.

Loyola would begin to establish itself in the Jackrabbit third of the field as the half wore on.  A well placed cross from Elyssa Kulas would fall to Monika Lee in the box and the junior would hammer it by the Jackrabbit netminder to open the account for Loyola.

Following Lee’s strike, the Jackrabbits would look to answer immediately, forcing Gonyo to make two fine saves from close distance to protect the lead.  They would threaten again off a set piece in the 34^th minute but valiant defending by the Ramblers would send the game to halftime at 1-0.

South Dakota State would waste little time in leveling the game in the second half.  Alyssa Brazil would take advantage of a Loyola miscue to knot the game at 1-1 in the 47^th minute.  The Jackrabbits would threaten the Loyola goal just seven minutes later but Gonyo would deny the reigning Summit League Freshman of the Year, Diana Potterveld, to keep the game tied.

The Ramblers came out in the first session of overtime with renewed energy and purpose.  The deciding strike would come off a set piece when freshman Shelby Koch delivered a fantastic ball off a corner that Rodriguez would send into the back of the net.

“I was really frustrated after the first half but knew that I had to stay with the game,” commented Rodriguez.  “Shelby delivered a great ball and I was patient and finished it.  I feel like this win gives us a ton of confidence moving forward.  It shows that we can battle through obstacles and compete with any team on any given day.”

Loyola will return to action next Sunday when they clash with the Indiana Hoosiers at Loyola Soccer Park in the 2013 home opener at noon.

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