OMAHA, Neb. – The Bulldogs defeated the College of Saint Mary (3-1) at Heritage Park on Wednesday afternoon (Sept. 24). Kierstynn Garner rolled out two more goals, including another game winner (21 career) to hit double digits in the 2025 campaign.
Head Coach Nick Smith and the Dawgs are 6-0-3 overall and 1-0-1 in the GPAC.
“Overall, it was a good performance from us,” Coach Smith said. “We created a large quantity of high-quality chances in the game and we limited them to mostly taking opportunities from distance. Getting an early goal helped us settle into the game. We got into half 1-0. They ended up equalizing and that kicked us into another gear. Once we found that second gear, we were able to do some good things. The hope is that we can become a little more clinical in our execution up front.”
Finding themselves tied (1-1) in the middle of the second half, Abby Haynes sent a pass to Garner, who made good on the eventual contest-seizing chance. In the 64th minute, Haynes, a freshman from Columbus, Neb., notched her first career point as a Bulldog with the dish.
With the Flames trying to find the equalizer, Sierra Springer delivered the knockout blow punching the ball in the back of the net in the 77th minute. The senior out of Raymond Central High scored her first goal of the season and her first in the last 14 games.
Garner scored in the second minute of the contest, and putting the two goals together has now amassed 11 on the season and 28 points. The Kearney High alum has reached the 60 career scores mark, which only three, including her, have touched in the program’s history.
Aliya Vidro racked up nine saves almost besting her performance at Bellevue with 10. The sophomore keeper from Colorado Springs, Colo., has 20 saves in her four starts.
Seven played smashed shots toward the CSM goalie with Garner (five), McKenna West (two), Lupe Sanchez (two), Savannah Andrews (two) and Springer (two). With 15 total, Concordia University, Nebraska edged out the Flames in shots on goal (11-10) and many of the home squad’s chances came from 25 yards out. The Bulldogs pushed 11 shots in the second frame. The Seward side went into virtually into a two-deep, playing 21 different athletes in Omaha.
College of Saint Mary (2-7, 1-1 GPAC) experienced its first conference loss in 2025 but will recoup against Northwestern on Saturday. The Flames were led by GPAC Offensive Player of the Week Bella Olsen scoring her seventh tally of the season. Ella Klusman took a game-high six shots and keeper Jenna Brown grabbed eight saves.
Concordia (6-0-3, 1-0-1 GPAC) remains unbeaten and will be tested at home against Briar Cliff (2-5, 0-1 GPAC) on Saturday. The Dawgs will take the field at 3:30 p.m. CT at Bulldog Stadium.