OGDEN, Utah – A hat trick from Bridget Daley and an inspired effort defensively helped Idaho come back for the 3-2 win over Weber State on Friday night.
 
"I'm really proud of our players," said head coach Derek Pittman.  "We really tried to get back to being a lot more competitive and showing a lot more grit this past week in the training session and I thought our kids really responded well to that."
 
Idaho got down early, with Weber State taking a 1-0 lead in the 11^th minute despite the Vandals controlling most of the possession in the opening minutes.  Things went from bad to worse from there, with Weber State doubling its advantage just 1:47 later.
 
But the Vandals didn't give up.
 
"It was difficult going down two goals early but I thought our players really showed some resolve, stuck to the gameplan and did an excellent job finishing the chances that we were able to create," Pittman added.
 
Idaho pulled back to within one in the 22^nd minute, with Daley scoring from right out front.  The play got started with a free kick bobbled by the Weber State goalkeeper, ultimately leading to Daley pouncing for her team-leading fourth goal of the season.  Daley would level the score at two in the 57^th minute, finishing from the penalty spot.
 
Daley found the back of the net once more, burying her third of the night in the 86^th minute to give Idaho the comeback win.  Megan Goo picked up the turnover near the Idaho box and cleared the ball up field to Olivia Baggerly down the left side.  Baggerly went at the lone retreating defender, eventually finding Daley on the doorstep for the simple finish, ending the comeback.
 
"We know what Bridget is capable of," Pittman continued.  "It's been coming.  She has created a number of chances.  She's been a bit unlucky in some situations.
 
"For us to earn a penalty kick, I was wondering who would step up and take it, we haven't had a whole lot of those this year, and Bridget immediately grabbed the ball.  Felt confident that she wanted it."
 
Idaho closes out the road trip at Idaho State on Sunday at 12 p.m. Pacific.  The Vandals are still alive in the Big Sky standings with two games to play, but will need two wins to have a shot at the conference tournament.
 
"I think they have a lot of fight left.  They have been responding very well.  The bench has been very positive, the whole roster, everybody is just buying in and doing what we need them to do and put ourselves in a position to compete each and every game."
 
Fans can stay up-to-date on all things Idaho soccer by following the team on Twitter and Instagram, @VandalsSoccer, or on Facebook by searching Idaho Vandals Women's Soccer.

For more information on Idaho Athletics, visit GoVandals.com.  Fans can also find Idaho on Twitter and Instagram, @Idaho_Vandals, or on Facebook by searching Idaho Vandals.