FLAGSTAFF, Ariz (October 20, 2024) – Northern Arizona soccer (2-7-5, 2-3-1) grabbed its first draw in Big Sky Conference play on Sunday afternoon, picking up a 1-1 draw with the Sacramento State Hornets (4-6-6, 2-2-3).
"It was a special day for the seniors, it's always emotional and I just want to thank the seniors personally, I wish them the best of luck" head coach
Alan Berrios said.
It didn't take long for the Jacks to open scoring, taking advantage of the first free kick of the match just three minutes into play.
Haylee Phoenix tabbed her fourth of the year off an
Avery Ott boot before
Valentina Navetta tipped the pass to Phoenix for the 1-0 early lead.
Despite Sacramento State struggling to find possession in the first ten minutes, the Hornets found their footing with a Madelyn Dougherty goal coming in the 11
th minute of plat, unassisted.
Seven of the Lumberjacks 11 starters would record a full 45-minute first half, as
Trinity Corcoran grabbed four stops in NAU's box. The Jacks held a +1 advantage in shots through the first frame while 11 total fouls would be called, six on Northern Arizona.
Continuing the Jacks offensive push to end the first half, the Jacks would take their first free kick of the second half just one minute in, as
Avery Ott would step in for the kick, sending one on goal.
Ashley Williams would see her first appearance as a field player on the pitch since the Air Force road match earlier this season, checking in in the 65
th minute, quickly giving the Lumberjack offense some momentum while looking for the go-ahead goal. Williams grabbed her first shot in the 71
st minute.
Northern Arizona set up one of their best opportunities of the match in the 75
th minute, as
Madisyn Marchesi stepped in for the free kick at midfield. Marchesi's pass was defended outside of the box from the Hornets, before
Kaitlin Surber would connect to send the ball back into the box and force the Hornets to clear the ball from behind the goal, giving the Jacks their first corner kick chance of the second half.
Erin O'Connor took the corner kick, sending a direct shot on as Izzy Palmatier picked up one of her four stops of the day.
Natalie Manzo earned the second-half nod in goal for the Jacks, ending the match with five stops. The Jacks finished with a 18-15 shots advantage over the Hornets.
Olivia Bos, O,Connor,
Joey Lujan, and
Ella Freebury all closed out play with 90 minutes recorded.
Next, the Jacks will head on the road for a Friday night matchup with the Weber State Wildcats, and a regular season finale at Idaho State on Sunday afternoon. To stay up to date with NAU Soccer, follow the Jacks on X, Instagram, and Facebook.
