(Vermillion, S.D. – Aug. 17, 2023) Utah Tech women's soccer opened its 2023 campaign on Thursday, defeating the South Dakota Coyotes 3-1 at First Bank and Trust Soccer Complex in Vermillion, S.D. Thursday's victory was the first in the head coaching career of Lexi Brown and gives the team some momentum heading into a Sunday matchup against Omaha.
 
"This game was a battle but that's exactly what you'd expect in an opening day road game. We have plenty of room to grow and moments we can learn from but overall I'm proud of the way we played," Brown said. "We had a ton of players get their first collegiate minutes and they showed really well. It was also great to rely on some key returners to get us on the board in (Brynlee Rider) and (Kearney Hoggan).
 
"It's a great place to start and we look forward to building on this performance when we face Omaha on Sunday," Brown added.
 
Brianna Frey started in net as Utah Tech wasted no time in this one, with Rider breaking things open just over three minutes into the game. Off a feed from Emily Garbett, Rider finished low and to the left of the goalkeeper to put the Trailblazers ahead 1-0. 
 
The Coyotes would respond quickly with a fourth-minute goal but neither team would score in the remaining 40 minutes as both teams were level at one apiece at the halftime horn.
 
After both teams battled to start the second half it was Rider who once again provided the spark that Utah Tech needed, controlling a feed from Lacy Fox and finishing above the goalkeeper's head to put UT ahead with 30 minutes remaining in the game. Thursday's brace marked the second time in Rider's four-year career she's scored two goals in a game, as she scored twice in a 2-1 victory over Southern Utah in September of 2021.
 
With five minutes remaining in the game, Kearney Hoggan slammed the door shut with a strong finish on the end of a pass from Mauri Ashman. Neither team would score the rest of the way as Utah Tech secured its first victory of the 2023 season.
 
The Trailblazer offense out-shot South Dakota 13-9 with a 5-3 advantage in shots on goal, as Rider and Tessa Thornton both led all attackers with three shots; Hoggan and Nikkie Scott would also finish with two shots off the Utah Tech bench. 20 Trailblazers featured in the game as Brianna Frey, Gracie Knutzen, Mauri Ashman and Michelle Rodriguez all played the full 90 minutes.
 
Utah Tech will play its next game on the road this Sunday, Aug. 20. Kickoff against the Omaha Mavericks is slated for 12 p.m. MT.