FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (October 11, 2026) – Facing an opponent that had conceded just six goals on the season, the Northern Arizona soccer team rose to the challenge and took an emphatic 3-0 win over Idaho on a rainy Sunday afternoon at Lumberjack Stadium.

NAU (6-4-2, 2-0 Big Sky) wins its third straight game, all of which have been in shutout fashion, while Idaho suffers its first blemish in league play, moving to 1-1-2 and 7-3-4 overall.

It was a contest of milestones, as each of the Lumberjack point scorers saw the first goals or assists of their careers. Maya Wells, Madison Schenk, and Kristen Puels netted the goals, while Katelyn Caballero secured the first two helpers of her career and Brooklyn Jones got her first career assist as well.

Lexi Saveski made the start in goal and played all 90 minutes, making seven saves. The shutout marks her third in a row and seventh of her career. Shots on target were once again even as both sides took seven, with the Vandals ultimately outshooting NAU 22-15.

Kickoff began with an already wet field, but clouds, rain and wind moved in during the first half making for tough conditions most of the contest. The NAU backline picked up right where it left off from the last outing, not allowing a shot on goal in the first 45 minutes. Micala Boex and Lily Nesland forced a trio of saves from the Vandal keeper in the period, but it was Wells who got a shot past one of the top goalies in the conference to put the hosts up 1-0 in the 43rd minute.

Idaho then took its turn forcing a trio of saves from Saveski in the opening minutes of the second half. The 'Jacks struggled to find shots on goal early in the half, as they focused on keeping the slim advantage.

NAU found its insurance in the 63rd minute, when a free kick from just inside midfield allowed Jones to connect with Schenk on a header and double the lead, 2-0. Then, just a few minute after, Caballero delivered a pass to Puels in the box, who dribbled past her defender and got off the shot for the 'Jacks third goal of the game, matching their season-high in the 70th minute.

The Vandals managed three more shots on target, all saved by Saveski or blocked by the backline as NAU rode out the win.

With the victory, the Lumberjacks improve their record to 5-0 when scoring first and 4-0 when leading at the half. NAU now moves into first place in goals allowed (eight), passing Idaho's nine, while Saveski sits atop the league in save percentage (.879).

Caballero's pair of assists also mark the most helpers in a game by a Lumberjack this season, and the most since Joey Lujan recorded two assists at Idaho State on Oct. 27, 2024.

The Lumberjacks hit the road next week and will visit the Utah schools, starting with Southern Utah on Thursday, Oct. 15. Kickoff with the Thunderbirds is scheduled for 2 p.m. MST and will be streamed on ESPN+.

To stay up to date with Northern Arizona soccer, follow the Lumberjacks on X and Instagram.