GRAND FORKS, N.D. – The grass is returning to green on Bronson Field and that can only mean one thing for Fighting Sioux: spring soccer kick-off. After wrapping up their first season as a Division I team, the Fighting Sioux find themselves ready to take it to the next level. After an intense off-season of conditioning, UND tried their techniques on two teams to an optimistic review.

First on the agenda was South Dakota State, a team the Fighting Sioux hadn’t played since 2003. The Jackrabbits jumped out to an early lead after scoring in the 20th minute of the first half and never looked back, securing the 1-0 win. UND had scoring opportunities with Alex Zarling (So., Fargo, N.D.) and Rachael Loomis (Fr., Fargo, N.D.) breaking free, but the Fighting Sioux weren’t able to capitalize.

Lauren Sera (Jr., Winnipeg, Manitoba) was in goal for the Fighting Sioux.

The 2008 Summit League Champions, South Dakota State received an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament in their first season of eligibility. The Jackrabbits beat the University of Colorado to advance to the second round, but lost to the University of Minnesota, 0-2.

"Being our first game and literally our fourth day outside for the spring, I thought the result was outstanding,” said head coach Kristen Gay. “Our team played hard and the effort was there, which has been the foundation of our training all winter/spring. Coach Aaron Schwenzfeier (strength and conditioning) has really done a great job of preparing us to get stronger and faster, and it really showed in this game. I'm really proud of the way our team competed."

UND bounced back with a 2-0 win over Augustana. The Fighting Sioux got out to an early lead at the three minute mark of the game. Brittany Harty (Jr., Jamestown, N.D.) connected with Zarling, who took on a handful of defenders and slotted the ball past the goalkeeper.

The Fighting Sioux increased their lead off a free kick outside the penalty box. Mandi Boehmer (Jr., Inver Grove Heights, Minn.) connected from the left side and it blew past the goalkeeper.

Monica Stierman (So., Mahtomedi, Minn.) was in net for the Fighting Sioux.

“The team was pumped to finally play a game after working so hard every morning during the winter,” said Boehmer.

"I was pleased with the result, as our work in the offseason is paying big dividends for us,” said Gay. “The player's legs were pretty heavy as it was the second game of the day, but overall our program is pleased with the weekend."

The team has also been playing with a new set of leaders. Boehmer and Kirsten Zachman (Jr., Mahtomedi, Minn.) have been selected as the 2009-10 team captains for the squad.

The Fighting Sioux will move forward to their spring home contest against Minnesota State University, Moorhead on Saturday, April 25. Game time is set for 3 p.m.

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