Jackrabbits' 11-Goal Onslaught Shatters 23-Year-Old Record
Source: Dakota News Now Sports. Casualplayhub News adds summary, context, and editorial framing while linking back to the original report.
BROOKINGS, S.D. — The South Dakota State Jackrabbits turned a sunny Sunday afternoon at Fishback Soccer Park into a record-breaking spectacle, demolishing MSU Moorhead 11-0 in a performance that left little doubt about the team's attacking firepower. The 11 goals scored are the most in program history, eclipsing the 10-goal tally from a 2003 matchup against Si Tanka University, which was also the first match ever played at this venue.
The onslaught began early. Hannah Langstaff found the back of the net in the third minute, setting the tone for a first half that would see the Jackrabbits pile on seven goals before the break. The team's relentless pressure and crisp passing overwhelmed the Dragons' defense, with goals coming from multiple players. Katelyn Beulke scored in the 10th minute, Mia Bosch added another in the 26th, and Peyton Held notched the first goal of her college career in the 30th minute. Emma Brezenski made it 6-0 in the 42nd minute, and Jenna Maloy also struck twice in the first half, completing her brace before halftime.
The second half offered no respite for MSU Moorhead. Dreya Kern scored in the 47th minute, marking her first collegiate goal, followed by Selah Jackson in the 51st minute—also a career first. Brianna Finnegan added a goal in the 55th minute, and Held closed out the scoring with her second of the match in the 84th minute. The 11-goal outburst shattered the previous record of 10, which had stood for 23 years.
Beyond the scoring, the Jackrabbits set another school record with 14 assists, surpassing the 11 assists they recorded against Northern Colorado last season. Katelyn Beulke, Lauren Eckerle, and Abbi Gibbs each dished out two assists, with Gibbs picking up her first helpers in an SDSU uniform. Other players contributing assists included Bosch, Beulke, Jackson, Brezenski, Ellie Gusman, Sophia Emerson, Bianca Eide, Deizha Lyn Jacinto, and Xehlia Salanoa. The team's 36 total points (goals plus assists) also obliterated the previous program mark of 28 points set in that same 2003 game.
Defensively, the Jackrabbits were impenetrable. They did not allow a single shot from MSU Moorhead, marking only the second time in program history they have held an opponent without a shot attempt. The first was against Wayne State two seasons ago. Goalkeeper Emery Ruliffson played a team-high 59 minutes, though she had little to do thanks to the dominant performance of the backline. Abbi Gibbs, Sophia Emerson, and Taryn Hettich each logged 51 minutes or more.
Head coach, while not quoted directly in the original report, clearly saw his team execute a game plan that emphasized early pressure and ball movement. The victory improves SDSU's record to 2-0 on the season. Notably, the match against MSU Moorhead was considered an exhibition for the Dragons, meaning the result does not count toward their official standings.
Looking ahead, the Jackrabbits return to Fishback Soccer Park on Thursday to host Washington State at 7 p.m. The game is part of a "Move In Weekend" promotion, with students allowed to use their SDSU student ID for up to two additional complimentary tickets for family or friends. The team will aim to build on this record-setting performance as they continue their non-conference schedule.
Article commentary
The Jackrabbits' 11-0 demolition of MSU Moorhead is a statement performance that goes far beyond the scoreline. Breaking a 23-year-old program record for goals in a single match is impressive, but the manner in which SDSU achieved it—scoring early, often, and from a wide variety of players—highlights the depth and versatility of this squad. The fact that seven different players found the net, including two who scored their first collegiate goals, suggests a team that shares the ball unselfishly and has multiple attacking threats. The 14 assists, a new program record, further underscore that point. From a tactical standpoint, the Jackrabbits showed clinical finishing and relentless pressure, but it is worth noting the context of their opponent. MSU Moorhead, a Division II program, was clearly overmatched, and the match was designated an exhibition for the Dragons. This disparity in level of competition partially explains the lopsided result. However, SDSU can only play the team in front of them, and they did so with ruthless efficiency. The defensive shutout, where they did not allow a single shot, is equally noteworthy—it speaks to the team's discipline and organization. Looking at the broader picture, this game serves as a confidence builder early in the season. The Jackrabbits are now 2-0, and while the schedule will intensify with a matchup against Washington State on Thursday, the momentum from this record-breaking performance could be invaluable. Washington State is a Power Five opponent from the Pac-12, and that game will be a far sterner test. Thursday's contest will reveal whether the Jackrabbits can maintain their scoring touch against a higher-caliber defense. An interesting historical note: the previous record was set in 2003, also at Fishback Soccer Park, against Si Tanka University. That program no longer exists, but the record stood for over two decades. SDSU's ability to surpass it demonstrates the program's growth and evolution over that period. The team's depth is particularly encouraging—players like Peyton Held, Dreya Kern, and Selah Jackson scoring their first career goals bodes well for future matchups. One area to watch is the distribution of playing time. Emery Ruliffson played a team-high 59 minutes in goal, but the defense saw a mix of players. Building chemistry across the backline will be crucial as the season progresses. The fact that no shots were allowed is a positive sign, but against stronger opponents, the Jackrabbits will face more sustained pressure. The coaching staff will likely use the Washington State game to evaluate how the team responds to adversity. Overall, this was a performance that will be remembered in SDSU soccer history. It sets a high bar for the rest of the season, but the Jackrabbits appear to have the talent and depth to challenge for conference honors. The key will be replicating this level of intensity and execution against better competition. Thursday's game against Washington State will provide the first real measuring stick.