SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The Northern Arizona women's soccer team clinched a spot in the Big Sky Conference Championship tournament as the No. 5 seed after a 1-1 result, and first tie of the season, against Sacramento State Friday afternoon. The Lumberjacks advance to postseason action in Cheney as the Eastern Washington Eagles will host the conference tournament.
"It was a great game between two teams battling for the final two playoff spots," Head Coach Andre Luciano said. "I felt we definitely controlled the first half and had an opportunity to put the game away at 2-0 early in the 2nd half. We have to give Sac State credit because they came out in an all-out press against us knowing that a loss would knock them out of the conference tournament."
Northern Arizona fought for the win, garnering more saves, fouls and corner kicks over the Hornets. Senior Adrian Nixt delivered the lone goal of the game for the 'Jacks in the 16th minute after stealing the ball outside of the 18-yard box.
With a 1-0 lead going into the half, the 'Jacks were looking to finish it off with another shot from Nixt that bounced off the crossbar into the goalkeeper's hands.
With her seventh goal this year, Nixt remains at the top on the Lumberjack roster in goals scored this season, also picking up two more points to total 19 going into postseason play.
Sacramento State's goal came in the 68th minute after a foul in the box awarded freshman Kylee Kim-Bustillos her 11th goal this season, bringing her total points to 26 — the most in the Big Sky.
The 'Jacks held off the Hornets for the remainder of regulation and throughout two overtime periods to solidify the tie. With 110 minutes of soccer and seven games under her belt, freshman Taryn Benham recorded six saves to help keep Northern Arizona in contention.
"I am very proud of our team and the effort they displayed today," said Luciano. "From this point forward it's one day at a time and we have to prepare ourselves mentally, physically and tactically for what I believe to be the deepest tournament, in terms of talent, in my 17 years here."
Northern Arizona will compete in the Big Sky Conference Championship tournament starting Wednesday, Nov. 1 against No. 4 Portland State at 1 p.m. MST. The 'Jacks are among six teams to make the tournament; Eastern Washington, Montana, Northern Colorado, Portland State and Sacramento State.
For more information on the tournament times and tickets click here.
Big Sky Conference Championship Schedule
Wednesday, Nov. 1
10 a.m. - No. 6 Sacramento State vs. No. 3 Northern Colorado
1 p.m. - No. 5 Northern Arizona vs. No. 4 Portland State
Friday, Nov. 3
10 a.m. - No. 2 Montana vs. No. 6/3 seed winner
1 p.m. - No. 1 Eastern Washington vs. No. 5/4 seed winner
Sunday, Nov. 5
12:00 p.m. - Championship
*All times Pacific
*Please remember to set clocks back on hour on Sunday at 2 a.m. as daylight savings ends
