PUEBLO, Colo. – The Colorado State University Pueblo women's soccer team wrapped up the opening weekend of its four-match homestand Sunday with a 2-0 setback against Black Hills State in Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference action at Art & Lorraine Gonzales Stadium.
With the loss, the ThunderWolves move to 2-5-2 overall and 0-2-1 in RMAC play, while Black Hills State improves to 6-0-3 overall and 3-0-1 in the conference.
The Pack generated several early opportunities and finished the opening half with six shots. Maya Bethelmie put CSU Pueblo's first attempt on frame in the sixth minute before Abby Menk followed with two chances over a two-minute stretch.
Black Hills State broke through in the 28th minute when Ivy Agee scored her 10th goal of the season off assists from Zoe Evans and Bailey Smith, putting the Yellow Jackets ahead 1-0.
CSU Pueblo continued to search for the equalizer before halftime. Jenna Elledge fired an attempt wide in the 37th minute before Mackenzie Fryxell forced Black Hills State goalkeeper Rian Barthel into a save in the 41st minute.
The ThunderWolves increased the pressure after the break, earning four of their five corner kicks during the second half. Avery McMullen put a shot on target in the 59th minute, while Baylie Reedy nearly found the equalizer in the 69th minute when her attempt toward the top-left portion of the goal was stopped by Barthel.
Black Hills State added an insurance goal with 7:50 remaining as Ally Boysen scored her sixth goal of the year off an assist from Mirabel Shellabarger to extend the visitors' advantage to 2-0.
The Pack continued to attack until the final whistle, with Faith Moa putting CSU Pueblo's final shot on goal in the 90th minute, but Barthel made the save to preserve the shutout.
CSU Pueblo finished with 11 shots, including five on goal, while Black Hills State totaled 15 shots and eight attempts on frame. The ThunderWolves held a 5-4 advantage in corner kicks and were whistled for just one foul during the match.
Menk led the Pack with three shots, while Fryxell recorded two. Bethelmie, McMullen, Moa, Reedy and Fryxell each registered a shot on goal. In net, Peppi Niemi played all 90 minutes and finished with six saves.
CSU Pueblo remains at home for its next RMAC contest as the ThunderWolves welcome MSU Denver to Art & Lorraine Gonzales Stadium on Friday at 4 p.m.
