MISSOULA, Mont. (Nov. 9, 2014) – For the first time since 2009, Northern Arizona University’s women’s soccer team has won the Big Sky Championship.
The No. 3 seeded Lumberjacks were the first on the board with a goal in the 24th minute. NAU’s Haley Wingender played a through ball to Emily Wadell. Wadell recovered the ball from an ISU defender, took a few touches and shot it into the upper-90 on the right side of the goal.
The Lumberjacks took a 2-0 lead after Cierra Gamble played a long through ball to Wingender in the 69th minute. Wingender beat the defense to the ball and had a one-vs-one with the goalie. Wingender shot the ball through the diving keepers legs and into the back of the net.
The No. 5 seed Idaho State answered back just 18 seconds later after ISU’s Maria Sanchez’ shot was blocked by the NAU keeper, Lauren Bermudez was there to regain control of the ball in a scramble. Bermudez placed her shot into the far right side of the goal, cutting NAU’s lead to 2-1.
This is Northern Arizona’s third championship, but first since 2009. NAU’s head coach Andre Luciano has led his team to all three of its Big Sky Championships. The Lumberjacks were selected third in the preseason poll.
Northern Arizona (12-5-4) will find out who its opponent in the NCAA College Cup is on Monday. The announcement will be made at 4:30 p.m. Eastern on NCAA.com.
Idaho State finished the 2014 season with a 10-9-1 overall record.
2014 Big Sky All-Tournament Team
MVP – Haley Wingender, Northern Arizona
Natalie Gilbertson, Northern Arizona
Emily Wadell, Northern Arizona
Torey Braly, Northern Arizona
Diane Buzzard, Northern Arizona
Cierra Gamble, Northern Arizona
Amanda Ellsworth, Idaho State
Maria Sanchez, Idaho State
Katherine Roberts, Idaho State
Hallie Widner, Montana
Savannah Witt, Montana
Abbey Bergquist, Portland State
Rebecca Lancia, Northern Colorado
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