Aug. 26, 2005

Box Score

LOGAN, Utah - - Sophomore Nanda McCormick's header in the 78th minute lifted the Gonzaga University women's soccer team to a 2-1 season opening non-conference win over Utah State University Friday afternoon at Bell Soccer Field.

At the 78:41 mark with the score knotted at one goal apiece, McCormick was able to place herself in the middle of a scramble in front of the Aggies goal box and headed the ball past USU's back-up goalkeeper Lisa Willardson to give Gonzaga the victory.

The Bulldogs wasted no time in scoring as in the seventh minute senior defender Stacey Sarro skied a free kick into a crowded goal box where sophomore Cristin Leverson rose above the crowd and headed the ball past Utah State starting goalkeeper Kelli Allred to give GU an early 1-0 lead.

Despite the Zags constant pressure on the offensive side of things it was the Aggies who scored the next goal to even the score. In the 72nd minute Dana Peart was able to redirect a free kick from Rachelle Dixon past Gonzaga netminder Ashley Haugen.

Haugen recorded five saves in picking up the win for the Bulldogs, while her counterpart Willardson recorded two saves in taking the loss for the Aggies.

The Bulldogs out shot Utah State 20-11 and had a decisive 6-1 advantage in corner kicks.

Gonzaga will return to the pitch on Sunday as they travel to Pocatello, Idaho for a 1 p.m. non-conference match against Idaho State University.