MORAGA, Calif. (September 6, 2026) – The Northern Arizona soccer team suffered a 1-0 defeat to RV Saint Mary's on Sunday afternoon at Saint Mary's Stadium.

NAU moves to 2-3-1 while Saint Mary's remains unbeaten at 4-0-3.

Valerie Llamas led the NAU attack with two shots, while Micala Boex and Taija Anderson took one shot apiece. Lexi Saveski made the start in goal and played all 90 minutes, making three saves. The Lumberjacks were outshot 18-4 for the contest but placed two of their four shots on target.

The first opportunity for the Jacks arrived in the seventh minute off a corner kick. NAU got another good look at a score in the 11th minute, crossing the ball into the box as teams took turn holding possession early. On the opposite end, the backline allowed just one shot on target in the first half as the match stood 0-0 going into the break.

The Lumberjacks struggled to pressure the Gael keeper in the second period, managing just one shot on target from Llamas in the 68th minute. Both sides continued searching for momentum and flow, as the contest stalled in the half for a couple of injury matters.

As teams made substitutions late in the scrappy affair, Saint Mary's was able to earn a free kick in its attacking third in the 86th minute. Despite NAU making the initial first touch, Brianna Jurasek managed to sneak the ball into the net on a header amongst the chaos in the box to break the scoreless tie.

Following the score, NAU raced against both a defense that has yet to concede a goal on the season and the clock. Although the Jacks took possession into their attacking zone for one more chance, they were unable to find an equalizer before time expired.

Saint Mary's evens the all-time series with NAU to 1-1, as the two met for just the second time this afternoon, having played the inaugural match nearly 20 years ago in 2006.

The Lumberjacks remain on the road and will head to Tucson to play Arizona on Thursday, Sept. 10. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. MST and will be streamed on ESPN+.

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