Aug. 24, 2007
Box Score
Pocatello, ID--Idaho State used three second half goals to defeat Utah Valley 3-1 in a season-opening exhibition match Friday afternoon at Davis Field. Jenny Ford, Jana Boehler, and Taylor Powell each found the back of the net in the win.
"This was a great training and practice opportunity for us today," said ISU head coach Allison Gibson. "We didn't get an exhibition game last season and I think this is going to be very helpful for us. We learned a lot about our team and there is a lot to be excited about."
Idaho State found itself down early as Utah Valley's Adrienne Schneider found the back of the net in the eighth minute. Shantae Adams assisted on the score. The goal gave Utah Valley a 1-0 lead at the half.
The Bengals battled back in the second period as Ford helped to tie the game with a score in the 65th minute. Ford received a touch pass from Annamarie Hofstetter and dribbled past two defenders to put the ball in the net.
Boehler, who sat out all of last season with an illness, gave ISU the lead in the 74th minute as she received a ball from Michelle Okumura and then sent it to the right corner of the net from 25 yards out for the goal.
Powell, playing in her first collegiate game, secured the win for Idaho State, finding the back of the net in the 89th minute. The goal was assisted by Okumura and Lauren Ryan.
"We knew we would be strong offensively," Gibson said. "The three goals were tremendous. We were patient and capitalized on our opportunities. Whenever you have 16 shots on goal, good things are going to happen."
Senior Maren Eves started in goal for ISU, playing nearly 75 minutes with two saves. Eves was replaced by Kathryn Ford in the 75th minute, collecting a pair of saves without a goal allowed.
As a team, Idaho State tallied 28 shots, including 16 on goal while limiting Utah Valley to eight shots, five on goal.
Idaho State will officially open its season against Pac-10 foe Arizona State on Aug. 31 at the UNLV Rebel Classic in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Bengals will open regular season play at home against in-state rival Boise State on Sept. 7.
