NAMPA, Idaho – For the last year and change the Northwest Nazarene women's soccer team has relied on its stellar defense.

On Saturday, some breakdowns in the back led to a shootout with Adams State.

The Nighthawks' offense had their defense's back, though.

NNU held off Adams State 4-3 in a nonconference victory at NNU Field.

"The team was working together, connecting passes and getting better and better each day," NNU's Kaisa Tsuruta said. "We don't really want to give up three goals, but it is good to get four in."

NNU jumped out to an early lead in the fifth minute on a goal by Madi Taylor off an assist by Tsuruta. Maddy Parton scored her first goal as a Nighthawks player in the 15th minute for a 2-0 lead. It seemed like NNU might run away with it, but Adams State – which won 5-3 against Minnesota Crookston on Thursday – had an answer.

The Grizzlies scored in the 38th and 54th minutes to tie the game.

The Nighthawks responded quickly as freshman defender Chandler Kauffman scored off an assist by Tsuruta.

"Any time we can score four goals it means our offense was doing something right," NNU coach Mary Trigg said. It was a mess in the back and we have a lot to fix, but luckily our offense took care of business today so it was good."

The Grizzlies tied the game again in the 59th minute but Tsuruta scored in the middle of a scrum off an assist by Christa Lewis in the 64th.

"I think we are playing well to start with," Tsuruta said, "but if we keep working I think we can get a lot better with the new players. It is going to get better and better."

Chloe Sholtz made four saves in goal.

Cal State Monterey Bay (1-1-0) defeated Minnesota Crookston (0-2-0) 1-0 in the early game Saturday. The Nighthawks face Minnesota Crookston at 12 p.m. Monday.