SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – South Dakota State senior
Rachel Preston earned conference weekly honors in her final opportunity on Monday, Oct. 24, as she was named the TicketSmarter Summit League Defensive Peak Performer of the Week.
Preston continued to play a big role for the South Dakota State back row which statistically ranks as the best in The Summit League. The SDSU defender produced two shots and had a goal in the Jackrabbits' win versus North Dakota Friday. She was able to convert on a penalty kick in the 75th minute to put the Jacks up 3-0 over the Fighting Hawks. The goal was the first for Preston this season.
SDSU completed a road sweep on Sunday with a 2-0 victory over NDSU. Preston played 80 minutes in the win for the Jackrabbits.
The Lakeville, Minn., native became the program's all-time minutes record holder in the season finale as she now stands at 6,945 minutes played. She also set the program's games started mark in the matchup as she's been featured in the SDSU startling lineup 78 times. Preston has played in 89 career matches for the Jackrabbits which is second in school history.
The Jackrabbits, with their 7-0-2 record in conference play and 23 points recorded against league foes, secured the No. 2 seed for the Summit League Championship. SDSU has a bye into the semifinal round and plays at Fishback Soccer Park at 3 p.m. on Sunday. The Jackrabbits will face the winner of No. 3 Omaha and No. 6 North Dakota as the two sides face off at 6 p.m. Friday in Brookings in order to take on the Jacks.
-GoJacks.com-