MARSHALL, Minn. – The Southwest Minnesota State women's soccer team (0-1) opened its 2026 season on Thursday with a 4-0 loss to Ferris State (1-0) at Mattke Field at the Schwan Regional Event Center.
Ferris State controlled much of the offensive play throughout the match, finishing with an 18-4 advantage in shots and a 9-0 edge in shots on goal. The Bulldogs also held a 10-1 advantage in corner kicks.
SMSU goalkeeper Madelyn Cory kept the Mustangs within one through the first half, recording one save before Ferris State added three goals in a four-minute span early in the second half. Cory finished the match with two saves in 71:30 of action.
Jada Backes led the Mustangs offensively with two shots, while Jayna Benson and Karla Paredes-Nino each had one shot.
The Mustangs held Ferris State scoreless for the opening 13 minutes before Mae Doyle scored at the 13:10 mark to give Ferris State a 1-0 lead heading into halftime.
Ferris State doubled its lead at 62:04 when Haley Buckman converted a penalty kick. Less than a minute later, Buckman struck again at 63:02, this time assisted by Avery Bostwick, to push the Bulldogs' advantage to 3-0.
Ava Roy added Ferris State's fourth goal in the 67th minute, giving the Bulldogs a four-goal cushion.
Sophomore goalkeeper Kennady Krebs entered in the 72nd minute recording two saves over the next 18 minutes while keeping Ferris State off the scoreboard for the remainder of the match.
The Mustangs return to action on Sunday afternoon, facing Upper Iowa on the road at 12 p.m.
