“We’re very happy with the win, especially because Utah Valley is second in the conference and they’re a pretty strong team with some dynamic forwards,” said head coach Julie Woodward. “I was impressed, again, with my back line getting that shutout. The more [shutouts] we continue to earn, the more pressure there is, and I think they’re dealing with it very, very well. The team, in general, is doing a really great job this season of taking our coaching points at halftime and having a really great second half. Overall, I’m just happy with the win and happy with the shutout.”
Stephanie Verdoia (Salt Lake City, Utah) gained the early lead for the Redhawks, which would prove to be the game-winner, assisted by Mary Hill (Mercer Island, Wash.) driving the ball down the left side in the 2nd minute.
Kat Prati (Moorpark, Calif.) had later good chances for the Redhawks, including in the 30th minute, but the ball flew to the left side of the goal, and the Redhawks kept a 1-0 advantage at the half.
On a similar play as in the first half, Verdoia struck again at the 49 minute mark, driving the ball down and striking it into the left corner of the goal to give SU the 2-0 lead.
In the 89th minute, Natasha Howe (Mission Viejo, Calif.) would add a goal for insurance, assisted by Heather Thomas (Woodinville, Wash.) after a Verdoia shot that was deflected by the Utah Valley goalie to give the Redhawks the 3-0 win.
This marked the eighth straight win and seventh straight shutout for Seattle U, increasing their consecutive unanswered goal streak to 25. The Redhawks also increased their home winning streak to six games.
“It felt really good, but it felt really good because we were playing a great team, so that makes those goals sweeter,” said Verdoia. “Our team played really well tonight, so I’m really glad we got a good team win.”
Howe, Verdoia, and Prati led the Redhawks with three shots apiece as SU outshot UVU, 12-8.
In goal, Brianna Smallidge (Port Orchard, Wash.) made three saves in the complete game shutout while Lauren Sack made four saves, allowing all three goals for the Wolverines.
Seattle U remains at home for their annual Pink Match on Sunday, Oct. 20 at 12 noon as they host Bakersfield. They will return home for their final regular season home game to honor this year’s senior class on Friday, Nov. 1 at 3 p.m. vs. Idaho.