North Dakota State soccer fell to Western Illinois in Summit League play 4-1 Friday afternoon at John MacKenzie Alumni Field.

Bison defender Dani Stuber gave North Dakota State (2-12-1, 2-6-0 Summit League) an early lead, as she scored her first career goal in the 14th minute. After taking a pass from Olivia Watson, Stuber fired a shot from outside the penalty area into the lower right corner to put the Bison ahead.

The Bison lead wouldn’t last long, as the Leathernecks (10-6-1, 4-4-0 Summit League) answered back less than five minutes later with a goal from Amy Andrews in the 19th minute to even the game.

About 10 minutes later, Western Illinois would grab the lead as Bridget Schuler scored from inside the penalty area to put the hosts up 2-1 in the 29th minute.

Western Illinois would add one more goal in the first half, as Leah Ahlers scored from long range in the 39th minute, giving the Leathernecks a 3-1 advantage headed into the break.

Late in the second half, the Leathernecks would add to their lead with a penalty kick goal to solidify the scoring. Kelsey Kallio was charged with a foul in the box and Jenna Lundgren stepped up and converted the penalty kick opportunity to give Western Illinois a 4-1 lead in the 84th minute.

Western Illinois would lead in shots in both halves, finishing with a 19-13 advantage, including 11-6 in shots on goal. Both teams would have three corner kicks and be even with eight fouls.

Watson led the Bison in shots with four, while Stuber and Olivia Lovick each had two shots on goal. Goalkeeper Sofia Howe finished with seven saves in the match, while Western Illinois goalkeeper Isabel Navas Rodriguez recorded five saves overall.

The Bison will close out the 2021 season on Sunday with a trip to the twin cities to take on new Summit League opponent St. Thomas in the first-ever meeting between the two programs. Kickoff is slated for 1 p.m. at South Field in St. Paul, Minnesota.