April 21, 2012

Arizona vs. Northern Arizona Spring Game Final Box

TUCSON, Ariz. - The University of Arizona Wildcat women's soccer team closed out the spring schedule with a 3-1 victory over Northern Arizona on Saturday at Lumberjack Stadium. The match was televised on Fox Sports Arizona, and was the first spring event to be televised in program history for both teams.

Arizona and NAU ended the first half of the match scoreless, with the Wildcats out-shooting the Lumberjacks 6-1. Wildcat keeper, freshman Gabby Kaufman, recorded one save in the first half to preserve the draw going into halftime, while NAU keeper Lauren Weaver recorded three saves.

In a wild opening to the second half, Arizona scored two goals, both unassisted, within three minutes. The first goal came in the 55th minute by junior Jessica Culver from 25 yards out into the left corner. Culver's goal was her first of the spring schedule. Arizona's second goal came in the 58th minute from sophomore Jazmin Ponce, who drilled a breakaway into the upper left corner of the net. Ponce's goal was her third for the spring, and her second game winner.

The Lumberjacks scored its lone goal in the 60th minute courtesy of an unassisted shot by Elinor Priest, who took four of NAU's shot attempts. NAU's only other on-goal attempt of the game was saved late in the second half by sophomore keeper Lorena Aragon.

Arizona's final goal came late in the 89th minute as freshman Desiree Bramlette, assisted by sophomore Shannon Heinzler, headed the ball into the right corner after a scramble in front of the Lumberjack net.

For the match, Arizona out-shot NAU 15-5, with an advantage of shots on goal at 7-3. Ponce led the match with four shot attempts, followed by freshman Emily Lai and senior Susana Melendez with three apiece. Arizona also took a 7-3 advantage on corner kicks.

The Wildcats started the spring slate against Brigham Young on March 3, losing 2-0. On March 31, Arizona defeated Grand Canyon University 3-1, with a goal from Lai and a pair of contributions from Ponce. In Las Cruces, on April 14, Arizona defeated New Mexico State 2-1, both goals scored by Melendez. At UTEP on April 15, Heinzler scored Arizona's lone goal of the 1-1 tie.

Arizona now boasts a 2-1 record in televised events.

For complete results from the event and continued coverage of Arizona Wildcat women's soccer, visit ArizonaWildcats.com.