Photo and Article via Jamestown Athletics

JAMESTOWN, ND. (jimmiepride.com) – The No. 22 University of Jamestown women’s soccer team moved one step closer to an outright GPAC regular season championship Wednesday night, defeating Dakota Wesleyan (S.D.) University 2-1 at the Jimmie Turf Field.

Jamestown won its 16th match of the season, setting a new program record, and moved to 11-0 in the conference. Briar Cliff (Iowa), tied with UJ entering Wednesday’s play, lost 2-0 to Midland (Neb.), and are one game behind the Jimmies in the standings. A Jamestown win on Saturday would give UJ its first GPAC conference championship.

Gabby Sarkis (SO/Campbelltown, Sydney, Australia) had the first goal of the match, taking advantage of a rebound off a blocked shot and netting her fourth of the season in the 17th minute.

The Jimmies controlled possession for nearly all of the first half, allowing the Tigers just one shot, saved by Alex Nowka (JR/Anchorage, Alaska) in the 33rd minute.

UJ kept a 1-0 lead until the 82nd minute, when Claire Struble (SR/Murrieta, Calif.) took a Kamryn Fiscus (JR/Yakima, Wash.) pass to score her third of the season, doubling the Jimmie advantage.

DWU’s only shot of the second half came in the 83rd minute as Brooke Bullington notched her first goal of the year to make it a one-goal game. Jamestown was able to keep the Tigers from finding the equalizer and held on for the win.

Shots were 18-2 Jimmies, as were shots on goal (7-2). Jamestown won seven corner kicks while conceding three.

Saturday’s regular season finale against Briar Cliff is set for 1 p.m. at the Jimmie Turf Field.