LARAMIE, Wyoming (9/16/25) – The University of Wyoming soccer team closes out non-conference play on the road this week. The Cowgirls travel to South Dakota State on Thursday for a 6 p.m. match at Fishback Soccer Park before going to South Dakota on Sunday for a 12 p.m. contest at First Bank & Trust Soccer Complex. Both games will be streamed on Midco Sports Plus.
The Cowgirls are off to one of their best starts in program history at 5-1-1 overall. It's a record that includes a win at No. 15 Georgia and the only loss was at Colorado, which was receiving votes in the United Soccer Coaches' Poll at the time of the game.
"You want to start strong and have a pretty competitive non-conference to set you up for conference play, and I think we've done that," head coach
Josh Purdum said. "The record indicates how hard the girls have worked so far and is helping with our confidence going forward. We still feel we have a lot more to give, and we have a lot more to progress."
Defense has been the Pokes' calling card thus far this season. They've shut out five teams and that gives goalkeeper,
Haley Bartel, 15 for her career, which is good enough for third all-time in program history. Just this season, she's allowed only three goals with 20 saves for a GAA of 0.43.
Alyssa Glover has provided most of the offense to date. She owns five goals and two assists for 12 points.
Kiley Ballek has added three goals and
Jennah Wanner possesses a team-high three assists.
South Dakota State is 5-1-3 on the season and has yet to lose at home at 2-0-1. This'll mark the first time the Cowgirls have traveled to Brookings with both previous meetings between the two squads – a 1-1 record split – having occurred in Laramie.
South Dakota State is balanced with three different players – Hailee Christensen, Emma Brezenski and Deizha Lyn Jacinto – having found the back of the net three times in 2025. Mallorie Benhart has started seven of the nine games in net. She's surrendered six goals with 20 saves for a GAA of 0.86.
The Jackrabbits won the Summit League Tournament a year ago before falling in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament. They also defeated the Cowgirls, 3-0, in Laramie.
South Dakota is 4-2-3 overall and 2-1-2 at home this season. Wyoming has dominated the all-time series with the Coyotes, holding a 6-2-1 advantage, which includes a 4-0 Pokes' victory last season in Laramie.
Klarissa Vega paces South Dakota with five goals in 2025. Cambell Fischer has started all but one game at keeper and has allowed 10 goals with 26 saves for a GAA of 1.25.
Following the trip to South Dakota, Wyoming opens Mountain West Conference play on the road. The Cowgirls travel to Boise State on Sept. 25 before going to Utah State on Sept. 28.
