MISSOULA, Mont. -- The Northern Arizona women's soccer team advanced to the Big Sky Conference tournament semifinals with a 3-2 victory over Eastern Washington on Thurday.
Cierra Gamble scored the first goal for the Lumberjacks in the 15th minute on a header from Lauren Doud. Eastern Washington tied it up nearly five minutes later on a goal by Cassie Black, but NAU took the lead for good on a goal by Torey Braly in the 27th minute.
The lead grew to 3-1 in the 52nd minute when Demi Schmider headed in a rebound of Haley Wingender's shot that hit the crossbar. The Eagles narrowed the margin to one on a goal by Savannah Hoekstra in the 83rd minute, but NAU held them scoreless for the final seven minutes to advance.
"We told our players to have more of an attacking mindset and they responded well," NAU coach Andre Luciano said.
"Our defense came out a little slow today," said Doud. "We gave up two goals, but we can fix those mistakes and after playing on this field today, we know how teams are starting to play. Hopefully we can contain the forwards better tomorrow than what we did today."
The Lumberjacks (10-5-4) now turn their attention to second-seeded Portland State (9-5-4, 6-2-1), which is unbeaten in its last six games. The game will be played Friday at 11 a.m. Friday's winner will advance to the championship game on Sunday.
