FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (August 23, 2022) - The Lumberjacks fell to the Jackrabbits Tuesday night in a 3-2 matchup.
NAU came out strong in the first half, matching SDSU's physical tempo on the field. The 'Jacks put up nine shots to the Jackrabbits 3, scoring two goals and not allowing any.
Josie Novak found the back of the net just minutes into the game. After Novak earned the start tonight for the Lumberjacks, she made her way to the far right corner of the field, taking a shot from just outside the box almost right in line with the goal. SDSU keeper Hailee Fischer attempted a jumping save, but Novak gave NAU the early lead.
Maddie Shafer made her season debut, checking into the match in the 21st minute of play. The returner quickly found her rhythm off an impressive cross pass from Taylor Gomez, as Gomez sent a long boot into the box. Freshman Karli Burton stayed right with Shafer, taking a shot of her own that was saved by Fischer. The ball bounced back out and Shafer was able to capitalize with the goal, and sent the 'Jacks into halftime with the two goal advantage.
The Jackrabbits came out into the second half with speed, holding control over the ball for a majority of the half. SDSU picked up their first goal in the 62nd minute, coming from Avery Murdzek, assisted by Delaney Grant. Grant sent a pass from behind midfield, connecting with Murdzek who won the battle with NAU defenders and knocked the ball right in.
Just two minutes later, the Jackrabbits were able to capitalize on a NAU misplaced ball. Kayla Anderson was able to break up a pass and take the ball right into the box, finding the back of the net to tie up the game.
With just six minutes left in the match, Kaycee Manding sent a cross pitch ball to Maya Hansen who flicked the ball up, scoring the Jackrabbits third goal into the top right corner of the net.
"They're a great team, and they beat us in the second half. They recognized some space behind and they're athletic so they were able to get behind us," Head Coach Kylie Louw said.
The Lumberjacks will be back in action in Lumberjack Stadium next Tuesday as they host UC San Diego at 7 p.m. MST.
