SEWARD, Neb. – Vibes were soaring from start to finish as newcomer Molli Kalsbeck and veteran Kyana Rios slashed through Dakota State University (S.D.) in the final third to seal the team’s first victory of 2026. The Bulldogs bit down on the Trojans (2-0) in the confines of an overcast Bulldog Stadium via a combined shutout from Aaliyah Matthews and Grady Smith on senior day.
Concoridia University, Nebraska (1-2-2) earned its first win under new Head Coach Jason Weides and are unbeaten in the last three contest after two losses to start the season.
“Today was a great team performance from top to bottom,” Coach Weides said. “There was great energy right from the get-go, and that certainly heightened through our Senior Day. It was clear there’s a lot of love for our seniors, and the seniors have a lot of love for this team and this program. We wanted to be better in the attack, and we did that today. There were a lot of areas where we performed really well, individually and collectively, but beyond that, the biggest thing was that we were there for each other.”
The Bulldogs continued to reach the final third in the first 45 minutes, but the last pass seemed to be missing from the Concordia offense.
Striker Kalsbeck was one of a few at the end of the first half passes that fell shy from various builds to the opposing side. In the 61st minute, the Kearney, Neb., native delivered a no-doubter in the top of goal with quick connections from Triniti Rowe to Abby Haynes then Kalsbeck. It was the freshman’s second goal of the season.
As 12 minutes passed, Guadalupe Sanchez found an open Kyana Rios. The midfielder lit into the ball for an insurance score as she fist pumped in celebration. Rios found the back of the net for the first time this season and 14th of her career.
The Bulldogs continued to dominate possession along with shots (12-3), shots on goal (4-1) and corner kicks (7-1).
Goalkeepers Matthews and Smith combined for a clean sheet having only to make one save in 90 minutes. The back line made life difficult in Bulldog territory that included star closers like Evie Keller, Charli Preister, Sadie Mares, Avery Black, Rowe and Sierra McElhannon.
The lead shot takers for Concordia were Kalsbeck (three), Addie Snyder (two), Sanchez (two), Preister, Haynes and Rowe.
Six seniors were celebrated including: Joey Long, Grady Smith, Sadie Mares, Olivia Kohl, Camryn Higer and Olivia Pyle.
Coach Weides continued, “It was a really fun celebration for our seniors, both in the pregame, during the game and after the game. The seniors have given a lot to the program over their time here — a lot of blood, sweat and tears. Their contributions go well beyond the field. They’ve been a great addition with their talents on the field, but also in who they are as people and their contributions to our team culture.”
Dakota State (0-6) is still looking for the first win of its season. Goalkeeper Ivey Winckler collected two saves in the contest. The Trojans will compete against Dordt on Tuesday.
Concordia (1-2-2) will also take on the Defenders (1-2-1) on Saturday (Sept. 19) in Sioux Center, Iowa. The Bulldogs will take the field at 2 p.m. CT.