NAMPA, Idaho – Northwest Nazarene women's soccer took a big early lead and held on late to defeat Montana State Billings 3-2 on Thursday night.
How It Happened
- NNU pounced on MSUB early, as in the 12th minute Madison Grande was able to intercept a back pass by a Yellowjacket defender and sidestep the keeper for an easy tap in.
- Just before halftime, the Nighthawks added another tally as Ashley Parton beat a defender on the near endline before slotting a pass to Allison Wolf in the box, who punched it in to make to 2-0.
- Eight minutes after the break, NNU made it 3-0 as McKenzie Buell found Parton along the far right side, who took one touch and dealt it back to Sierra Sanchez unmarked at the top of the box for what proved to be the game-winning goal.
- The Yellowjackets fought back late, tallying twice in the final ten minutes, but the Nighthawks were able to hold on for the win.
Nighthawks Notes
- NNU improves to 10-3-3 on the season and 8-3-2 in GNAC play. With one game to play, the Nighthawks have locked in at least the third seed in the upcoming GNAC tournament, and could still move up into the second spot with a win and a WWU loss on Saturday.
- Grande's goal was her team-leading eighth of the season, moving into a tie for the conference lead.
- With her two assists, Parton moved up to seventh in program history in career points with 38.
- NNU doubled up MSUB in total shots at 24-10, holding the advantage on goal as well at 10-6.
- Alexis Montoya had four saves in the win for the Nighthawks.
- NNU has not lost in over a month, riding a nine-game unbeaten streak with seven wins and two draws that dates back to an Oct. 2 loss at Western Washington.
- With one game to play against GNAC leader Seattle Pacific, the Nighthawks will attempt to make it an unbeaten season at home, as they are currently 6-0-2 at NNU Field.
Up Next
As mentioned, NNU now has a big clash with conference leader and fourth-ranked Seattle Pacific. The Nighthawks and Falcons are set to kick off at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday.
