FARMINGTON, Utah (Oct. 28, 2026) – With only three games remaining in the regular season, teams across the league make their final push to secure their spot in the postseason.
Below are news & notes from around the league for Big Sky Soccer.
Northern Colorado's Ava Marshall Named Offensive Player of the Week
Northern Colorado's Ava Marshall was named Offensive Player of the Week after recording a pair of goals in the Bear's perfect 2-0 week. The junior was incredibly efficient in her offensive production converting four of her shots on target into two goals. Marshall accounted for nearly half of the team's goals on the weekend.
Northern Colorado takes on Idaho State and Weber State on the road this weekend.
Others Nominated: Maya Bossenbrook (EWU), Lily Nesland (NAU), Alexi Cataldi (PSU), Ashlyn O'Malley (SUU)
Utah Tech's Emma McIff Named Defensive Player of the Week
Utah Tech's Emma McIff earned the weekly honor after leading the Trailblazer's defensive efforts with 10 saves. McIff recorded a save percentage of .909% after facing 27 shots through the two matches on week. McIff has three shutouts in her last five starts. This is McIff's first player of the week honor this season.
Utah Tech is off this weekend before taking on Southern Utah in the regular season finale next week.
Others Nominated: Payton Hyde (EWU), Lexi Saveski (NAU), Francesca Jordan (UNC), Tatum Trout (SUU)
The Race to Missoula Heats Up
Only three games left to play in the regular season and the title is still up for grabs. All 10 teams are still competing for six spots in the Big Sky Soccer Championship.
Northern Arizona and Northern Colorado head into the second to last weekend of conference action unbeaten and tied for the top spot in the standings. The two teams will square off against Idaho State and Weber State in effort to maintain their top positions. The Lumberjacks and the Bears will play against each other in the regular season finale.
Weber State is a point behind the two squads in the standings. The Wildcats will have their chance and taking over the top spot this weekend when the teams face off against each other. Weber State's lone loss of Big Sky play came against Portland State.
The top six teams in the standings at the end of conference play with qualify for the Big Sky championship in Missoula in November.
Weber State Picked as Preseason Favorites by League Coaches
Weber State was named preseason favorites by the league's head coaches after a runner-up finish a season ago. The Wildcats look to make a run behind their league-leading four preseason All-Conference team selections Isabella Sackett, Lily Blum, Oakley Anderson and reigning Freshman of the Year, Lauren Butorac.
Weber State earned the top spot in the poll after collecting five first-place votes and a league-leading 74 points, edging out Idaho, who compiled four first-place votes. In their first season in the Big Sky, Utah Tech received the final first-place vote in the poll, rounding out the top three.
NAU's Micala Boex Tabbed as Preseason MVP by League Coaches
Northern Arizona's Micala Boex headlines the Preseason All-Conference Team, earning Preseason MVP honors. Last season, Boex ranked top-five in the league in several offensive categories including goals, assists, points and shots. The Co-Offensive MVP from a season ago recorded eight multi-point games through the 2025 campaign.
Southern Utah and Utah Tech Join the Big Sky in 2026
Southern Utah and Utah Tech were officially welcomed as members of the Big Sky Conference this past summer, as the addition of the Thunderbirds and Trailblazers give the Big Sky 10 soccer squads for the 2026 season. The 2026 season will mark SUU’s return to the Big Sky after being a soccer member from 2012-21, while the year will be UTU’s inaugural season in the league.
2026 Big Sky Soccer Tournament Hosted in Missoula
The 2026 Big Sky Soccer Championship, hosted by University of Montana, will be held in Missoula, Montana on Nov. 11, 13 and 15. The Grizzlies earned the right to host the 2026 championship tournament by winning last fall's regular-season title.
The Grizzlies also won the tournament title in 2025, becoming the first Big Sky team to sweep the regular season and tournament titles since Northern Arizona in 2022.
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2026 Big Sky Soccer Schedule (Week 12)
Thursday, Oct. 29
Idaho at Portland State // 2:00 p.m. MT (ESPN+)
Eastern Washington at Montana // 3:00 p.m. MT (ESPN+)
Northern Arizona at Idaho State // 7:00 p.m. MT (ESPN+)
Northern Colorado at Weber State // 7:00 p.m. MT (ESPN+)
Sunday, Nov. 1
Northern Arizona at Weber State // 1:00 p.m. MT (ESPN+)
Northern Colorado at Idaho State // 1:00 p.m. MT (ESPN+)
Idaho at Montana // 1:00 p.m. MT (ESPN+)
Eastern Washington at Portland State // 2:00 p.m. MT (ESPN+)