MOSCOW, Idaho - Hannah Alfaro-Black scored the go-ahead goal in the third minute, and the Idaho defense shutout UNLV to secure a 1-0 victory in its non-conference finale on Sunday afternoon in the P1FCU Kibbie Dome.
A fast start ignited the Idaho fanbase in the opening three minutes after Alfaro-Black found the back of the net off an assist from
Alyssa Peters. Peters took a corner kick into the box where Alfaro-Black connected with a header to take an early lead and post her second goal of the season. The assist from Peters was significant to say the least as the Bremerton, Washington native recorded her 22nd in her career to tie an Idaho program record and move into fourth all-time in Big Sky history.
Idaho was aggressive on the offensive end in the first 45 with five shots on goal, holding a strong defensive line leaving UNLV with only two shots on goal. The Vandals narrowly had the edge in shots, 11-9, and in corner kicks, 3-2.
Paula Flores produced three of her five saves in the first frame to keep the Rebels off the board.
The Vandals struggled to connect passes early in the second half, but ultimately maintained a strong defense and only allowed one shot on goal from UNLV. The Rebels dominated the second half with eight corner kicks, but the Vandals were in position to keep UNLV out of the net.
Idaho looked to extend its lead late in the second period with a pair of shots that soared over the post by
Annika Farley and
Naomi Alvarez. The Idaho offense ended with a total of 18 shots to UNLV's 14 during the 90-minute contest.
Farley led Idaho with five shots and two on target, while four other Vandals each had two shots apiece.
Flores picked up her third clean sheet of the season with five saves.
Idaho finishes non-conference play with a 6-3-1 record and will look to carry over its early season success into Big Sky action next week. The Vandals will continue their four-game homestand when they welcome Sacramento State to Moscow for a Friday, Sept. 27 meeting at 6 p.m.
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