Sept. 30, 2006
Box Score
Orem, UT--The script couldn't have been written any better. With the game tied and just 10 minutes left to play, Natalie Graham, playing in her hometown of Orem, Utah, put a game-winning goal in the back of the net to give Idaho State a 2-1 victory over Utah Valley State Saturday afternoon at Wolverine Field.
The win snaps a four-game losing streak for the Bengals, who improve to 4-6-0 on the season, which already matches the team's win total of just a year ago. Utah Valley State falls to 4-7-1 on the season.
"We had a great week of practice and that seemed to funnel right into today's game," said ISU head coach Allison Gibson. "We came out and set an early tone, which is something we haven't done the past few games. It was the key to our success today."
Graham's goal came in the 80th minute after Kilee Quigley sent a cross into the box. The goal is Graham's first goal of the season and sixth of her career. The score also marks the second time that Graham has scored a game-winning goal against Utah Valley State. She recorded the game winner over Utah Valley in a 2-0 win last season.
Graham's game winner wouldn't have been possible without the help of a first half Michelle Okumura goal. Okumura headed in the score in the 22nd minute after receiving a corner kick from Annamarie Hofstetter. The goal is Okumura's team-leading fifth of the season.
Lyndsay Gensler led the defensive effort for Idaho State, collecting three saves in 90 minutes of play.
Graham led the Bengals with three shots, two on goal. Okumura and Kim Crosbie each had two shots each. Overall, Idaho State recorded 10 shots while limiting Utah Valley to eight. The Bengals held a 6-3 shot advantage in the first half.
"We needed this win," Gibson said. "We felt like and played like it was our only option today. This is a great confidence booster heading into conference play next week."
The win wraps up preseason play for the Bengals. The team opens Big Sky Conference play on Oct. 5 when the team hosts Portland State. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m.
