POCATELLO, Idaho – Powered by a second-half offensive explosion and a career performance in goal, Idaho State soccer delivered a statement win on Thursday afternoon, shutting out Sacramento State 3–0 at Davis Field during the program's annual Pink Out match honoring breast cancer awareness.

Scoreless through 45 minutes, the Bengals exploded in the second half behind goals from Samantha Fenske, Stephanie Roper, and freshman Lacie Paul, matching their highest single-game scoring output of the season. All three goals came after the halftime break as ISU outshot the Hornets 14–7 in the second frame and dominated possession with relentless attacking play.

The match also marked a milestone for freshman goalkeeper Hannah Wieler, who posted a career-high seven saves en route to her fifth shutout of the season. Wieler now moves into a tie for sixth in single-season shutouts (5) and eighth in career shutouts in program history.

Second-Half Execution

Despite controlling possession early, Idaho State went into halftime with no shots on target and little to show for its attacking effort. Head coach Dustin Downey credited the halftime adjustments as key to unlocking the offense in the final 45 minutes.

"At halftime, we talked about needing to be more effective in the final third," said Downey. "We had a lot of the ball in the first half, but we weren't really threatening. The girls made great adjustments, and the second half was night and day."

Idaho State broke the stalemate in the 56th minute when redshirt-sophomore midfielder Samantha Fenske would receive the pass from Saydree Cooke and fire home a ball from just inside the 18-yard box and calmly slotted it in the bottom left corner for her second goal this season. Junior midfielder Stephanie Roper doubled the Idaho State advantage just seven minutes later, cutting inside from the right wing and burying a fearless strike into the top left corner, just under the post for her second goal of the season, and arguably the Bengals' prettiest goal of the year.

Lacie Paul, a true freshman from Morgan, Utah, capped the scoring in the 82nd minute, taking in the pass from Mary Za, and outracing the Sac State back line, finishing a ball into the lower right corner for her first career goal.

"My adrenaline is still going," said Paul. "I couldn't believe it. I saw the gap, ran through it, and just hit it. It's an amazing feeling to get that first goal."

Downey praised Paul's work ethic and perseverance. "She's a player who comes in, works her tail off, never complains, and keeps grinding. Today, she got what she deserved."

Wieler Rises Again

While the Bengals' offense came to life in the second half, it was another strong showing from the ISU defense and goalkeeper Hannah Wieler that preserved the clean sheet. Wieler made several diving saves, controlled her box on corners, and showed poise beyond her years.

"Hannah had really clean hands and made smart decisions all game," said Downey. "She's climbing the record books for a reason."

Wieler credited her teammates for the defensive performance.

"I just wanted to lay my body out and have fun," said Wieler. "Our back line played great—Tess, Sofia, and Daphne all made huge plays that made my job easier."

The back line, anchored by junior Daphne Egelhoff, redshirt-freshman Sofia Wolf, and true freshman Tess Livingston, limited Sac State to 13 shots total and few quality looks near goal.

Bengal Bites

• Idaho State's three goals tie its highest scoring output of the season (also vs. North Dakota State).

• The Bengals are now unbeaten in four of their last five Big Sky matches.

• Hannah Wieler's fifth shutout of the season ties her for sixth in single-season program history and moves her into a tie for eighth all-time in career shutouts (5).

• Idaho State outshot Sac State 16–13 and drew a 7–7 tie in shots on goal.

• The Bengals have now scored in the 82nd minute or later in four separate matches this season.

• All three Bengal goals were scored by newcomers to the team: Fenske (St. Mary's), Roper (Southern Utah), and Paul (true freshman).

• Idaho State improves to 5-1-0 when scoring first this season.

• Lacie Poll scored her first career goal

• Fenske & Roper both scored their 2nd goals of the season

• Tess Livingston recorded her first career assist

• Cooke (4), Mary Za (3), and Roper (2) all recorded an assist today

Next Up

Idaho State now prepares for a challenging road test in Missoula, facing back to back Big Sky regular season champs, Montana, on Sunday. The Grizzlies shut out Weber State 4–0 on Thursday and enter the weekend atop the Big Sky Conference standings, just one point above Idaho State and Sacramento State.

"This is a tight race in the Big Sky right now," said Downey. "We know Montana is a sound, well-coached team, but I like our matchup with them. We'll enjoy this win and then get back to work."

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