With a win in the semi-final game, the SDSU women’s soccer team looks to earn its seventh championship this coming weekend.
The Jackrabbits took care of business in their game against Oral Roberts scoring five goals to the Golden Eagles’ two. Winning this match advanced SDSU into the championship game where they will be facing Omaha.
Making it to the championship game means a lot for junior middle fielder, Avery LeBlanc.
“It means everything to get to where we are today, I mean going into this season, we were all expecting a great year.”
LeBlanc mentioned that throughout the season they had several injuries and setbacks but making it to the championship game and host it “means” in LeBlanc’s words.
The last time the Jacks faced off against Omaha, the match resulted in a tie between the two with both sides scoring one goal. SDSU is the number two seed in the tournament while Omaha is the four seed.
LeBlanc is not satisfied with how their last meeting with Omaha went during the season.
“I think we have a little bit of unfinished business from this season and we’re ready.”
In their journey to the championship, Omaha started out the tournament playing fifth seed South Dakota. With two goals scored late in the game, the Mavericks defeated the Coyotes,advancing into the semi-final game
In their semi-final game, the Mavericks faced off with top-seed Denver. The Mavericks won this match through penalty kicks in extra time, advancing to the championship.
The Jackrabbits won their first Summit League Championship in 2008 followed by championships in 2014, 2015, 2016, 2019 and their most recent in 2021. The Jacks enter the championship game with an overall record of 12-3-3.
For SDSU, the team’s leading scorer is Avery Murdzek with seven goals, her twin sister Laney Murdzek leads the team in assists with five. As a team the Jacks have 41 goals on the season averaging 2.28 goals per game, putting them first in the league for goals scored.
The Jacks have allowed 16 goals from opponents this season, which is the lowest amount let up by any team in the Summit League.
For the Mavericks, Emillie Erland and Marissa Gohr lead the team with three goals apiece, while Grace Crockett leads the team in assists with five. The Mavs have 29 goals on the season averaging 1.61 goals per game.
They have allowed 18 goals from their opponents averaging one goal given up per game. They are fourth in goals scored as a team in the Summit League.
Although the Jacks are the two seed and the Mavs the four, the game will be one to watch. The Mavs have proven already this tournament that seeds do not matter as they knocked off the number one Denver on Denver’s home field.
Coach Brock Thompson knows the importance of playing your best and not playing down to your opponent’s level no matter their seed or record.
“Let’s not understate the challenge that’s ahead, the Summit League’s a fantastic soccer conference this year and Omaha is a very difficult team to play,” he said.
Although they are tough competition and the last meeting ended in a tie, LeBlanc is coming into the game with confidence. “We don’t lose at home, that’s our motto,” Leblanc said.
The Jackrabbits take on the Mavericks Sunday, Nov. 5, at Fishback Soccer Park. The game is set to begin at 1 p.m. and can be watched on The Summit League Network with live stats on GoJacksLive.com.
