ROCHESTER, Mich. - Senior Danielle Boldenow scored with two minutes remaining to give the North Dakota State soccer team a 2-1 win over UMKC (8-8-4, 6-2-1 Summit) in The Summit League tournament semifinals on Friday, Nov. 4.  The Bison, who won their school record 15th game of the year, will play in the championship game for the second straight year Sunday, taking on the winner of tonight's South Dakota State and Oakland game.

The Bison (15-3-2, 7-1-1 Summit) had an early chance at goal as Holly Christian's header hit the post at the 10:35 mark in the first half.

Michelle Gaffaney gave NDSU a 1-0 lead in the 27th minute, heading the ball into the right side of the net off an Anisha Kinnarath free kick just outside the box. Gaffaney has scored a career-high five goals this season.

The Bison finished the first half with a 1-0 lead and an 8-5 edge in shots.

UMKC equalized in the 55th minute as Ashley Gann headed in a free kick from Kaely Tott.

After the UMKC goal, the Bison racheted up the pressure in the search for a second goal of their own.  Steph Jacobson and Jaclyn Scanlan both had close range efforts saved by UMKC goalie Jamie Finnell and Boldenow and Jacobson had shots cleared off the line by defenders minutes later.

Boldenow finally broke through at the 88:07 mark, scoring off a cross from freshman Taylor Stainbrook.  Boldenow controlled the cross at the edge of the six-yard box and slotted the ball past Finnell.

The defense kept UMKC from getting a look at an equalizer in the final two minutes as the Bison improved to 2-1-1 all-time in the league tournament.

The Bison dominated the shot count in the second half, taking 11 shots to UMKC's five.  NDSU finished the game with 19 shots and 10 shots on goal, while UMKC tallied 10 overall and three on goal.  Goalkeeper Kalani Bertsch made two saves, while Finnell made six for the 'Roos.

NDSU will play in its second straight title game Sunday, Nov. 6 at 11 a.m. Central against the winner of the South Dakota State and Oakland game.  The Bison will be aiming for their second consecutive title and an automatic berth in the NCAA tournament.

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