SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- For the first time this season, the Northern Arizona women's soccer team scored two goals in the first half Friday, and the Lumberjacks controlled play the rest of the way en route to a 3-0 win over Sacramento State.
With the win, the Lumberjacks improved to 2-0 this season on the road in the Big Sky Conference. Going into the match, the Hornets were in third place in the Big Sky, and NAU held Sacramento State to only one shot on goal.
"I think the most important thing is that we went back to basics," said head coach Andre Luciano. "Our players did a really good job of applying pressure on Sacramento State, and it's nice to go into the half up two goals."
Sophomore forward Haley Wingender put the Lumberjacks on the scoreboard with a goal in the 33rd minute on a shot from the corner off of sophomore midfielder Cierra Gamble's pass. That is Wingender's fifth goal of the season and leads the team in goals this year.
In just her second game back from being injured, junior midfielder Savannah Berry made her presence known in the first half with a goal less than two minutes after Wingender's goal to give the Lumberjacks a comfortable 2-0 lead going into half.
"Savannah brings a different energy on the field," said Luciano. "Players feed off of her energy, and when she is on the field, the girls are having fun playing with each other."
Berry's presence was apparent on the field as she applied pressure on Sacramento State's defense throughout the entire match and was able to put up two shots in the match.
"I have been working really hard to get back and it feels great to be able to contribute to the team," said Berry. "Our attitude at practice this week was great, and I think our play can only go up from here."
It was the first shutout for NAU since Sept. 13 at home against Grand Canyon. Northern Arizona was able to disrupt Sacramento State's Alyssa Anderson, who came into the match second in the Big Sky in points. Anderson did not get a shot on goal against the Lumberjacks.
"We did a great job of reading our scouting report this week," said senior goalkeeper Lauren Weaver. "We knew what to expect, and it feels great to come out of this match with a 3-0 win."
