Portland, Ore. (November 6, 2009) - Northern Arizona defeated Portland State after the match went to penalty kicks Friday night to advance to the Big Sky Championship match. After two overtimes the tie was broken when the Lumberjacks converted their four of five penalty kicks. Northern Arizona goalkeeper Tori Rocke came up big with two saves in the tie breaker to help secure the Lumberjacks’ the advantage.
This marks the first time since 2006 a Big Sky tournament match went to penalty kicks.
Both teams had plenty of chances to get the advantage in the second half but were unable to finish the job. Regulation ended much the same way the half did, with a flurry of shots and set pieces.
As hosts the Vikings felt comfortable at PCC-Rock Creek and it showed with an early goal from Big Sky Offensive MVP Dolly Enneking, pushing the Tacoma, Wash. native's to 12 goals on the season.
After the initial shock wore off, the Lumberjacks were able to regroup and tallied their own goal from sophomore Jenna Samorah, on an assist from Sarah Netherton. Portland State goalkeeper Cris Lewis was able to get a hand on it but not enough to keep it from finding the net.
At half the teams were in a 1-1 tie, with all the stats remaining just as balanced. Both squads tallied five shots, the Vikings had four on-goal and the Lumberjacks notched three. In the overtime periods Northern Arizona locked down on defense and frustrated every Viking advance.
With the victory the Lumberjacks return to the championship match for the second consecutive season. The win sets up a meeting with Idaho State for the Big Sky crown. The Bengals won the earlier semifinal 2-1 over Eastern Washington to advance.
Sunday's match will start at 11:00 a.m. at PCC-Rock Creek, the winner will received the conference's automatic bid in the NCAA tournament.
