MOSCOW, Idaho – The University of Idaho Women's soccer team walked off Guy Wicks Field victors over the visiting Northern Colorado Bears, 3-2 Friday evening. After a tough non-conference schedule, the Vandals start off Big Sky Conference play with a 1-0 record.

“We could have chosen an easier non-conference schedule, we could have softened things up by winning a few easy games here and there playing some easier opponents but we didn't do that,” head coach Derek Pittman said. “This team's resiliency, their attitude and mentality through the first nine games hasn't wavered. They may have had some moments where they struggled, but they kept fighting.”

Idaho secured the game in the 78th minute of play when sophomore Kavita Battan beat the keeper on a short –sided shot. Freshman Chloe Bell connected with Battan off a header and Battan fired the ball past the keeper into the back of the net.  

Northern Colorado battled the Vandals back and forth all evening. The pair played to a scoreless first-half before Idaho got on the board in the 48th minute off a placed kick by sophomore Alyssa Pease finding freshman Olivia Baggerly who recorded her first career goal. A little over a minute later the Vandals added their second score of the night. Sophomore Gabby Leong scored her first goal of the season firing the ball right under the diving UNCO keeper.

The Bears responded to the Vandals 58th minute on a cross ball from Juliana Grover finding Essenc Ortiz-Lanier. Northern Colorado scored the equalizer in the 71st minute making the game 2-2.

“This team has got grit, they are tough, they believe in themselves and they believe in our game play,” Pittman said. “Today the team went out there and executed flawlessly. We started the second half the way we wanted to. I am proud of the team for not falling apart when they could have, they kept doing the things we asked them to do and I am proud and excited for them to get this win.”

Sophomore keeper Torell Stewart earned her first win of the season, registering 4 saves. The Vandals lead the Bears in shots 22-6, with a 13-6 edge on shots on target. Battan recorded five shots with four on goal and scored the game winning goal.

“Today we saw what we were truly made of and put together a great performance,” Pittman said. “This win isn't about my record, it is about theirs and at the end of the day the credit goes to those kids.”

The Vandals continue their homestead Sunday against North Dakota. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. PT.

Notes: In the 2013-14 season Idaho recorded two games with three points. Idaho won 3-1 against Grand Canyon and defeated New Mexico State 3-2.