FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. – Despite outshooting Northern Arizona 22-15, the Vandals fell to the Lumberjacks 3-0 Sunday afternoon at Lumberjack Stadium.
With the loss, Idaho moves to 7-3-4 overall and 1-1-2 in conference play.
Idaho struggled to find their offensive rhythm in the opening half, recording just four shots while Northern Arizona had six. The Lumberjacks broke through right before half, when Maya Wells found the back of the net off an assist from Katelyn Caballero, giving NAU a 1-0 advantage heading into halftime.
Idaho came out aggressively in the second half, controlling much of the offensive pressure and firing 18 shots compared to Lumberjack's nine. Despite the increased attacking opportunities, the Vandals were unable to break through the NAU defense.
Northern Arizona extended its lead in the 63rd minute when Madison Schenk scored off an assist from Brooklyn Jones. Just seven minutes later, Kristen Puels added the final goal in the 70th minute, assisted by Caballero, to push the Lumberjacks' advantage to 3-0.
The Vandals continued to battle offensively, putting seven shots on goal in the second half, but NAU goalkeeper Lexi Saveski turned away all seven attempts to preserve a clean sheet.
Mia Boltz led Idaho's offensive effort with four shots, including two on goal. Makenna Stuart and Georgia Whitehead each added three shots, while Miranda Goldner, Hallie Prinos-Grumbach, Sara Rodgers and Mirabella Bickham recorded two each.
Idaho goalkeeper Paula Flores played all 90 minutes, recording four saves in the contest.
The Vandals finished with a 22-15 advantage in total shots, including an 18-9 edge in the second half. Both teams placed seven shots on goal, while Northern Arizona held a 7-5 advantage in corner kicks.
Idaho looks to bounce back as Big Sky Conference play continues.
UP NEXT
The Vandals take on Utah Tech on October 22nd, to kick off homecoming.
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