SENIORS STRIKE IN 2-0 WOMEN'S SOCCER VICTORY OVER IDAHO STATE

10/25/2009

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - Seniors Kim Kemper and Katelin Hopping each provided a goal apiece, as the Sacramento State women's soccer team defeated the Idaho State Bengals, 2-0, on Sunday, Oct. 25 at Hornet Soccer Field.

With the win, the Hornets improve to 8-5-4 overall, 3-2-1 in Big Sky Conference play, while the Bengals fall to 8-7 overall, 3-3 inside of the Big Sky.

Heading into the final game of the season next week, the Hornets are currently tied for third place in the conference with Eastern Washington, although the Eagles hold the tiebreaker, having defeated Sacramento State 1-0 on Oct. 18. The Hornets would be one of four teams to make the conference tournament with a win on Oct. 30 over first place Portland State, a tie against PSU combined with an Idaho State loss or tie vs. Weber State on Oct. 31, or a loss to PSU combined with an Idaho State loss to Weber State and a Montana loss or tie vs. Eastern Washington on 10/31. Updated Big Sky Standings follow the release.

After controlling the majority of the first half of play against the Bengals, the Hornets took a 1-0 advantage in the 38th minute, as sophomore Shea Roberts sent a ball across the box that found the foot of Kemper, who two-touched it into the back of the net for her first goal of the season.

The Hornets continued to pressure in the second half, and after staving off a chance from Idaho State's Kacey Ball in the 68th minute, added an insurance goal in the 74th minute. After freshman Jessica Castano was taken down just outside of the box, the Hornets were awarded a direct free kick from 20 yards out. Hopping sent a blast over a wall of Bengal defenders into the left corner of the net, for her first goal of the year, pushing the advantage to 2-0.

Idaho State had one last offensive stand in the 81st minute, but Laura Perez pushed a shot wide of net, and on the ensuing clearance attempt, Ashley Jones had her shot blocked.

For the match, the Hornets outshot the Bengals 12-7, which included an 8-3 advantage in the first half of play.

Junior Cori Shreve lead the way for the Hornets with four shots, while eight of her teammates collected a lone shot apiece. Sophomore Savannah Abercrombie collected her seventh clean sheet of the season in the victory, while posting three saves.

Idaho State was led by Ball and Jones, who collected two shots apiece, with Ball putting both of her attempts on frame. Bailey Williams collected three saves in 90 minutes in goal for the Bengals.

The Hornets host Portland State to close out the regular season on Friday, Oct. 30 at Hornet Soccer Field. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m., with the Hornets honoring their senior class in a ceremony prior to match time.




Updated Big Sky Conference Standings (As of action on 10/25)
Top four teams make postseason tournament

1. Portland State 4-1-1, 13 points
2. Northern Arizona 4-2, 12 points
3. Eastern Washington, 3-2-1, 10 points
    Sacramento State 3-2-1, 10 points
5. Idaho State 3-3, 9 points
6. Montana 2-3-1, 7 points
7. Weber State 2-4, 6 points*
8. Northern Colorado 1-5, 3 points*

*Eliminated from postseason

Oct. 30 Schedule
Portland State at Sacramento State 1 p.m.
Eastern Washington at Montana 3 p.m. (MT)

Oct. 31 Schedule
Weber State at Idaho State 1 p.m. (MT)
Northern Arizona at Northern Colorado 7 p.m. (MT)