FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (October 21, 2022) - Northern Arizona soccer secured a 2-0 victory to the Sacramento State Hornets, clinching at least a share of the regular season title.
"It's unbelievable, the way we started off the year and where we're at now, kudos to this team, they work so hard and they kept believing and kept trusting in one another and for us to be at least sharing the title right now is just amazing, I'm super proud of them," Associate Head Coach Alan Berrios said.
The Lumberjacks got started early offensively, putting up four shots on goal in just the first ten minutes of the match, quickly setting the pace for the Hornets.
The Hornets had their fair share of chances early on as well, as Jasmyn Dun put a dangerous shot on goal in the 19th minute of the match, forcing Trinity Corcoran to make her second save of the match.
The 'Jacks were able to control possession throughout the first half, but were shut down by Sacramento's goalkeeper Mia Shalit who went on to make eleven total saves in the match.
NAU saw a few solid chances in the first half, one coming 25 minutes into the match as Josie Novak dribbled into the box, sending a shot to Dai Williams up the middle who did not hesitate to take a quick shot. William's shot was deflected by a number of Sacramento defenders, giving Allison Veloz a chance that went out just wide left.
With a scoreless first half, NAU had some work to do in the second 45 to secure the win at home.
The 'Jacks came out of halftime with the same momentum they left on the field in the first half, starting off quick with the offensive drives.
Avery Ott scored her fourth goal of the season from five yards outside the box. Ott sent a pass to Maddie Shafer just up the middle of the field, where Shafer tipped the pass forward back to Ott and Ott found her shot to put the Lumberjacks on the board first.
Corcoran recorded another five saves in her eighth shutout of the season. Corcoran and NAU's defenders of Logan Maszton, Abby Donathan, Jaylin Borden, Grace Quinn, and Rylie Curran played a huge role in tonight's win for the 'Jacks as they were able to stop the Hornets connections. Corcoran's eight shutouts puts her at No. 5 on NAU's season records list.
The 'Jacks got their second of the night off another assist from Shafer from outside the box. Josie Novak saw her chance for the second week in a row as she picked up a pass from Shafer and sent a long shot for the top left corner goal. Novak's goal ties her with Shafer for most goals on the team as the pair have five a piece.
The Lumberjacks will be back in Lumberjack Stadium on Sunday to take on the Portland State Vikings at 12 p.m. MST. NAU has the chance to claim the Big Sky Regular Season Championship with a win or a tie to the Vikings.
