FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. -- The Northern Arizona women's soccer team scored in the 67th minute on Haley Wingenderand's goal and held on to beat Sacramento State 1-0 for the Lumberjacks' first Big Sky win of the season.
"Sacramento State is a good team," said head coach Andre Luciano.
"They came out in a 3-5-2 formation, which is something we have not faced this year, and early in the game it caused us some problems. They are a physical team who out-muscled us in the first half, but in the second half we came out with some good adjustments. ... Our fitness showed in the second half, which is something we have not done on Sunday matches; we came out motivated in the second half and I am really proud of that."
Wingender was back on the offensive prowl as she put the Lumberjacks on the board in the 67th minute off a goal outside of the box. The junior was able to corral the ball and turn the corner on her defender for the 20-yard strike. Wingender has recorded a point in six straight games.
"I saw that I had one defender in front of me so I knew I had to beat her in order to score," said Wingender. "I felt her on my back and I could feel myself falling over so I was able to curl around my defender and get a shot on goal."
NAU's Natalie Gilbertson made six saves. The Lumberjack's recorded their fifth shutout of the season, which leads the Big Sky. Gilbertson has a 0.46 goals against average this season.
After coming back from injury early in the season, senior midfielder Savannah Berry was in the starting lineup for the first time this season.
"It felt good to be back out there in the starting lineup," said Berry. "For me, it is important to get back in rhythm and getting back to the way I used to play, which is strong and physical."
Both offenses went back and forth in the first half as 12 shots were fired between the teams. Gilbertson came up with some key saves as she recorded four saves in the first 45 minutes.
The Lumberjacks' best opportunity to score in the first half was off a breakaway from Adrian Nixt, who passed the ball to Wingender, whose shot went wide left.
The Lumberjacks will be back in action next Sunday at Idaho as they play their first Big Sky road match.
