GRAND FORKS, N.D. - With a pair of goals by sophomore Rachael Loomis, the University of North Dakota soccer team defeated New Jersey Institute of Technology 3-1 to advance to the semifinal round of the Great West Conference Championships.

The win over the Highlanders (7-9-2, 4-2-1 GWC) broke a three-game skid for the Fighting Sioux (3-13-2, 1-5-1 GWC) and gave them their first conference victory. The Sioux will now face Houston Baptist on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. in the semifinals.

"I was really proud of the way we fought today," head coach Kristen Gay said. "NJIT is a great team and proved that in the regular season. Our girls wanted it bad today and we took advantage of our opportunities."

After 45 opening minutes of scoring silence, UND came out of the break and quickly took a 1-0 lead over NJIT. At 50:31, senior Sarah Penner (Winnipeg, Manitoba) snuck her shot inside the corner from nine yards out. Just moments earlier, her first shot of the half was snagged by the Highlander keeper.

NJIT knotted the game at 1-1 as Michelle Borth scored on her only shot of the game.

At 71:03, North Dakota broke the tie as Loomis, a native of Fargo, N.D., scored her first goal of the game off a pass from sophomore Veronika Zischka (Calgary, Alberta). After the long ball pass from Zischka, Loomis ran the ball nearly 30 yards before landing her shot from eight yards out. The eventual game-winner was Loomis' second this season.

"Rachael showed why she is one of the top forwards in the conference by beating the East's Defensive Player of the Year on two occasions," Gay said.

The Highlanders had the chance to tie the game once again at 87:32, but a header shot by Briana Morales was picked up by UND keeper Lauren Sera (Sr., Winnipeg, Manitoba).

Just over 30 seconds later, Loomis scored again to give UND the 3-1 lead and the eventual victory. Senior Ericka Lund (Andover, Minn.) was credited with the assist.

The Sioux out-shot the Highlanders 8-7 with a 5-2 shot on goal advantage.

North Dakota will take on the Huskies of Houston Baptist for the third time this season when the two teams face off in the semifinal round of the Great West Conference championships. Game starts at 7:30 p.m.

- Go Sioux -