FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (August 12, 2022) - The Lumberjacks are set to take on Hawaii this Sunday in Lumberjack Stadium for a night time matchup that will kick off at 7 p.m. MST.
The 'Jacks will play their final exhibition matchup ahead of the official season start on Aug. 18 just after the conference announced their preseason coaches' poll on Thursday. NAU was voted to finish fourth in the conference, behind Northern Colorado, Montana, and Weber State.
The Lumberjacks are looking to pick up a win before they take on Utah State next week in the regular season opener. The team found rhythm on the field last week against Arizona, holding the Wildcats to just one goal and three shots on goal total.
As the team is focused  on connecting quicker on the field with a brand new roster, the coaching staff was overall impressed with the work they saw in last week's exhibition.
Returning goalkeeper Natalie Manzo made the start, picking up two saves in 90 minutes. Manzo is ranked second in returning save percentage with 76.6%. Senior Randalyn Hunter put up two shots, one on goal forcing Arizona's keeper to make the save.
Hawaii makes their way to Arizona this weekend in a three game stint to play NAU, GCU, and ASU. This Sunday's matchup will be Hawaii's first and only exhibition match ahead of the regular season.
Hawaii finished the 2021 season with a 2-9-3 overall record and a 2-5-2 conference record. They picked up their two conference wins in the last two matches of the season with a 2-1 victory at UC Davis and a 4-0 victory at CSU Bakersfield. Hawaii finished eighth in the Big West last season.
Hawaii returns leading scorer Kelci Sumida who scored five goals for the team last season, along with goalkeeper Lauren Marquez who started all 14 matches, recording 58 saves with a 0.682 save percentage.
The Jacks are looking to record their first win to Hawaii, as the all time series sits at 0-3. The two teams have not matched up since 2013 where Hawaii earned a 1-0 win in overtime in Flagstaff.
Live stats for Sunday's match will be available here. To stay up to date with NAU Soccer and follow along with in game updates, follow the 'Jacks on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
