FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (November 3, 2023) – For the second consecutive season, the Jacks are returning to the Big Sky Championship match after taking down No. 1 Montana with a 1-0 victory at Lumberjack Stadium.
"The one thing this team gives us every single day is their energy and effort, it doesn't matter who's in front, in training, or with the opponent, I am just so thankful for this team," head coach
Alan Berrios said.
Josie Novak started the action for NAU, making a run off a throw-in up the right side, putting a heavy shot on the right side of the goal and testing Montana's keeper, Ashlyn Dvorak, just three minutes into the match.
Moments later, Montana countered down the field as Skyleigh Thompson connected with Maddie Ditta for the Grizzlies second shot on goal of the night, Corcoran quickly earned her second save.
NAU started the match off with dominance as the Jacks forced two corner kicks in the first twelve minutes of play, capitalizing on the early momentum and keeping solid possession in Montana's territory.
Montana saw one of their biggest chances of the first half 20 minutes into play, as Eliza Bentler tested Corcoran with a tough shot that curved out right at the last second. Northern Arizona began the counter off Corcoran's goal kick, as
Maddie Shafer and
Allison Veloz battled between three Montana defenders. Dvorak came off her line to offer help, but Veloz was able to get a leg on the ball and net her seventh of the season to put the Jacks up 1-0.
Corcoran was tested on six saves through the first half, while Dvorak recorded one save.
The Griz came out of the second half with some heat, quickly earning their first two corner kicks of the game. Abby Gearhart gained some speed inside NAU's box, flicking a shot on the left of the goal as Corcroan made a diving save, and the ball went off an NAU defender on the deflection for a Griz corner. The Jacks were able to clear the oppurtunity and keep the match scoreless.
Corcoran earned her season-high ninth save of the night with just under 25 minutes remaining in the match as Bentler took a shot from just outside the right side of the box, Corcoran dropped to a knee to keep the Jacks on top. Corcoran made her career-high 11
th stop in the 89
th minute to secure the Lumberjacks victory.
The Jacks will see a 2022 conference championship rematch as they take on the No. 2 Idaho Vandals on Sunday at 1 p.m. MST.
