FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (October 18, 2023) – The Lumberjacks (8-4-3, 3-2-1 Big Sky) are heading into a crucial final week of the regular season, as the team is set to take on the Eastern Washington Eagles (2-12-1, 1-4-1 Big Sky) and the Idaho Vandals (8-4-2, 3-2-1 Big Sky).
The Jacks and the Eagles match will kick off at 3 p.m. MST on Friday, with live stats being available
here and the game being streamed on ESPN+
here. Sunday's match against the Vandals will kick off at 12 p.m. MST, with live stats available
here and the ESPN+ stream available
here.
The Jacks are looking to bounce back from a 2-1 loss to Montana after the Griz scored the go-ahead goal with six minutes left in the match last Thursday. Prior to Thursday's loss, the Jacks were on a three-game win streak while facing Weber State, Idaho State, and Northern Colorado.
Maddie Shafer tabbed her first multi-goal game of the season against Northern Colorado to lift the senior to five goals on the season in addition to two assists. Shafer's 12 points lead the Lumberjacks and marks third overall on the conference leaderboards.
Allison Veloz scored her sixth goal of the season against Northern Colorado as she is tied for first on the Lumberjack squad in points with 12 total while netting three game-winners this season. On the defensive side of the ball,
Allie Larsen has proven to be an incredible dual-threat asset with the ability to quickly move up from the back line and create scoring opportunities with two goals and three assists on her 2023 resume. Larsen is just one of three field players with over 1000 minutes logged this season and is the only player with 15 straight starts.
A win or draw on Friday night would secure the Lumberjacks a spot in the Big Sky Tournament.
Eastern Washington is looking to secure a spot in the Big Sky tournament, needing two victories this weekend to do so. The Eagles are coming off a 2-1 loss to the Vandals after Idaho was able to net two second-half goals for the win. EWU is currently led offensively by Maddie Morgan who leads the conference in points with 30. Five of Morgan's 13 goals came to NAIA University of Providence-Great Falls. Morgan has netted just two goals in Big Sky play with one coming against Idaho State and Weber State.
The Vandals will enter Sunday's matchup coming off a Friday night game against Northern Colorado. Idaho is currently on a two-game win streak with a 1-0 shutout against Sacramento State and a 2-1 victory against the Eagles. With the head-to-head against EWU, the Vandals have already clinched a spot in the tournament. The Vandals are led by Jadyn Hanks on the offensive side of the ball who has garnered 11 points this season in five goals and one assist. Hannah Alfaro follows closely with four goals and two assists.
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