WOMEN'S SOCCER FALLS IN BIG SKY OPENER AT NORTHERN ARIZONA

10/10/2008

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. - The Sacramento State women's soccer team fell in their Big Sky conference opener to Northern Arizona, 2-0, on Friday, Oct. 10 at Lumberjack Stadium.

With the loss, the Hornets fall 6-6-1, 0-1-0 in Big Sky play, while the Lumberjacks improve to 7-5-1, 1-0-0 in the Big Sky.

In a battle of the two Big Sky team's with the best non-conference records, Northern Arizona and Sacramento State were both held scoreless in the first half, despite strong chances. The Hornets outshot the Lumberjacks 6-5, but both team's put five shots on goal in the first 45 minutes of play. Sacramento State's best chance came on a free kick from Kara Taylor following a Lumberjack foul in the 16th minute, but the shot was saved by NAU 'keeper Tori Rocke.

Northern Arizona struck quickly to start the second half, scoring a pair of goals within two minutes of each other. In the 50th minute, Kristi Andreassen scored from the top of the 18 to give NAU a 1-0 lead. 1:56 later, in the 52nd minute, Brenna Boies headed in a far post cross from Cee Cee Ordorfer to give the Lumberjacks an insurance goal and a 2-0 advantage.

Sacramento State could not find the answer, dropping their first conference match since Oct. 22, 2006, which was the last time the Hornets played at Northern Arizona.

Senior Sarah Howard, Taylor, and junior Katelin Hopping led the Hornets with two shots apiece, while redshirt freshman Savannah Abercrombie posted a career-high eight saves in goal. Rocke collected nine saves in the win for the Lumberjacks.

Sacramento State returns home on Sunday, Oct. 12, to face Northern Colorado at 2:30 p.m. The Big Sky contest is a rematch from last year's conference tournament final.