FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. – Sophomore Diane Buzzard, a Flagstaff sative and Flagstaff High graduate, scored for NAU as the Lumberjacks played to a 1-1 tie against Florida Gulf Coast on Friday night in the Hilton Garden Inn High Altitude Tournament.
“Florida Gulf Coast is a good team, probably one of the best possession-oriented teams we’ve played all season long,” said head coach Andre Luciano. “Diane Buzzard had a great goal to tie it up, and that was a positive. There was a great crowd and they were fantastic, but we have to finish these opportunities we get in overtime. We need to learn to finish these breakaways and chances we get and win a game out.”
After Florida Gulf Coast opened the scoring in the 13th minute. Sophomore Kelly Whelan took a free kick after an FGC handball, and the ball deflected out to Buzzard, who blated it into the goal from 30 yards out.
“I usually get in on those (free kicks), but this time I decided to hold outside the 18-yard box and nobody marked me,” Buzzard said. “As soon as the ball got out, I took one, got lucky and I didn’t think it went in at first. But it was great, I ran over to the crowd and the best part was seeing my family. It was unbelievable.”
For the first time this season, NAU outshot its opponent, 13-10, after holding the Eagles wihout a shot in the two overtime periods. Haley Wingender had a team-high three shots.
The Lumberjacks (1-5-2) will San Jose State (2-5-1) at 1 p.m. on Sunday.
