BOISE, Idaho - The Idaho women's soccer team kicked off the seventh edition of the Governor's Cup with a come-from-behind, 2-1 win over Idaho State on Friday, with both goals coming from an unlikely source.

Normally a defensive presence on the Idaho back line, senior team captain Sari Morrison, playing in front of her hometown crowd, proved that she's not one-dimensional on Friday.

After the Vandals gave up a goal to ISU in the 15th minute, Morrison responded by knocking in the equalizer just before the half, then putting in the game-winner on a penalty kick halfway through the second period.

"I'm extremely happy," Idaho head coach Pete Showler said. "Every player is working hard to get into the attacking third, but we're still doing a good job of keeping our shape in the back.

"We created a lot of opportunities and chances and had some good shots, and at the end of the day, we got the win."

Showler said the team showed a little of its youthfulness early on and let themselves get dragged into playing Idaho State's more up-tempo style, but that the Vandals regrouped and dictated the rest of the game on their own terms.

"At halftime, we talked about playing our type of game and that's exactly what we did," Showler said. "We did the things we wanted to do, played with composure and it was way more effective."

The change was obvious. After allowing seven shots in the first half, Idaho surrendered just two in the second. The Vandals totaled 14 shots - seven in each half - and possessed the ball much more effectively in the second.

Showler also said that while he wasn't happy to give up the early goal, he was happy to see the team stay focused and get the comeback win.

"We showed a lot of character today," he said. "It was a true team effort today, with hard work from everyone. They (ISU) were aggressive on the ball with a lot of initiative and we responded well with a lot of composure."

Freshman Chelsea Small earned her first career assist when Morrison rebounded her blocked shot in the first half. Small also led the team with six shots, three of which were on goal. Liz Boyden made three saves in 90 minutes and took the win. Six different Vandal players fired off at least one shot and five of those had a shot on goal.

"Everyone is starting to trust and communicate with each other and we're starting to see the benefits of that," Showler said. "I'm just really pleased that all the hard work is paying off and the belief is starting to show on the field."

Paired with last Sunday's 3-1 triumph over Utah Valley, Friday's win gives Idaho back-to-back wins for the first time since the Vandals took down Gonzaga and Southern Utah, both by 2-0 scores, to open the 2007 season.

The Vandals now await Montana on Sunday. The Lady Griz will play Boise State on Friday in the second game of the tournament before facing Idaho at 10:30 a.m. (PT) on Sunday.