BROOKINGS, S.D. – Bailey Cascio's hat trick led the Omaha women's soccer team to a 3-1 defeat over top-seeded South Dakota State in the Summit League Championship semifinals.

The Mavericks, who are making their first appearance in the championship, move on to play second-seeded Denver in the title game on Saturday, Nov. 3, at noon.

Omaha scored the game's first goal in the 11th minute.  Brylie Meyer sent a cross into the penalty area that deflected off South Dakota State goalkeeper Maggie Smither.  Cascio fought through a pair of defenders and tapped in the ball to put the Mavericks in front 1-0.

The Mavericks doubled their lead in the 31st minute.  Emily Romero sent a ball down the left wing to Taylor Gelling who sent a cross into the penalty area.  The ball floated over Smither toward Cascio who headed in the cross to put Omaha ahead 2-0 at the half.

Early in the second half, South Dakota State cut the lead to 2-1.  Leah Manuleleua took a shot that deflected off Erin Bunker.  The rebound found Carina McLennan at the top of the six-yard box whom one-touched a shot into the goal.

Omaha scored an insurance goal in the 90th minute.  Kiana Dualan played a ball into the six-yard box in the closing seconds of regulation.  Cascio out-raced a pair of SDSU defenders and sent her shot to the near post to make the final 3-1.

With the win, the Mavericks improved to 8-10-2, while the Jackrabbits' season ended at 12-6-1.

Inside the Box Score
•    South Dakota State outshot Omaha 18-6 and held a 5-3 advantage in shots on goal.
•    The Jackrabbits also held a 13-2 advantage in corner kicks.
•    Cascio's three goals was the third hat trick in Summit League Championship history and now has seven for the season.
•    Erin Bunker made four saves in the victory and improved to 7-5-1 on the season.
•    The win was Omaha's first Summit League Tournament victory.