FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (Nov. 5, 2023) – For the first time in program history, the No. 2-seeded Idaho Vandals secured a Big Sky Conference Tournament title on Sunday afternoon at Lumberjack Stadium.
They will also be making their first-ever trip to the NCAA Division I Women’s Soccer Tournament.
UI knocked off the defending tournament champions Northern Arizona 2-1, with both goals coming in the first half.
Maddy Lasher started the scoring for the Vandals in the 28
th minute when she scored on a second-chance header to put her squad up 1-0.
Roughly 10 minutes later the No. 4-seeded Lumberjacks put home an equalizer, as Joey Lujan scored off an assist from Dai Williams to tie the match up at 1-1.
Almost immediately following, however, the Vandals went right back up as Naomi Alvarez notched the game-winning goal.
Both defenses were very strong in the second 45 minutes of action and kept each other from putting any more points on the board.
This is Idaho’s third overall Big Sky women’s soccer title, as they claimed the regular season crow in both 2015 and 2016 but were unable to go two-for-two.
Additionally, seven Vandals were named to the All-Tournament Team, headlined by Tournament Most Valuable Player Rebekah Reyes.
The Selection Show for the NCAA Division I Women’s Soccer Tournament will take place tomorrow, Monday, November 6 at 2 p.m. MT/ 1 p.m. PT.
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2023 Big Sky Soccer All-Tournament Team
D: Rebekah Reyes, Idaho (MVP)
GK: Kira Witte, Idaho
D: Allie Larsen, Northern Arizona
D: Alyssa Peters, Idaho
MF: Jayd Sprague, Idaho
MF: Joey Lujan, Northern Arizona
MF: Hannah Alfaro, Idaho
MF: Holly Hunter, Northern Arizona
MF: Sienna Higinbotham, Portland State
F: Naomi Alvarez, Idaho
F: Allison Veloz, Northern Arizona
F: Maddy Lasher, Idaho