PHOENIX, Ariz. (September 17, 2026) – The Northern Arizona soccer team earned a 1-1 draw with Grand Canyon on Thursday evening at the GCU Soccer Stadium. The result is the first even score in the all-time series between the two schools, which moves to 6-5-1 in favor of the Lumberjacks.

Micala Boex was the goal scorer for NAU (3-4-1), who led the 'Jacks attack with five shots, placing three on target. Kaitlin Surber provided the assist on the score, the first of her career. Lexi Saveski made the start in goal and played wire-to-wire, making eight saves to tie her career high. NAU was outshot 19-13 but won the battle in corner kicks, drawing six to GCU's four.

The Lopes got on the board in the second minute, as GCU (4-2-3) dominated possession early. Boex took her first shot in the fourth minute, while NAU continued to find an offensive flow. The 'Jacks first tested the Lopes keeper in the 26th minute, when Kristen Puels took a shot that was knocked away from the top right of the goal.

The 'Jacks came out energized in the second half, matching GCU's intensity as both sides ripped flurries of shots and possession changed rapidly in the fast-paced match. NAU eventually found success off its set pieces, with Boex's goal arriving off a corner kick in the 74th minute. The initial kick from Puels was cleared, but Surber was able to find Boex well outside the 18 who then ripped the ball just over the hands of the keeper to equalize the contest.

NAU got another great opportunity almost immediately following the goal, as Ava Hinske forced the Lopes backline into a team save. Saveski then had to make the save of the game on the other end, turning away a point-black header in the 77th minute. The Lopes got a pair of shots on target down the stretch to try and regain the advantage but couldn't find the back of the net as the affair ended 1-1.

With her 15th score as a Lumberjack, Boex moves into sole place of 10th all-time in career goals at NAU.

Northern Arizona will play its final non-conference match on Sunday, Sept. 20, traveling to Las Cruces to face New Mexico State. Kickoff is slated for 12 p.m. MST and can be followed on live stats.

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