POCATELLO, Idaho - Idaho State women's soccer continued Big Sky play on Thursday evening, battling Southern Utah to a 0-0 draw at Davis Field.

Southern Utah held the advantage in corner kicks 7-3, but Idaho State outshot the Thunderbirds 18-9, and limited them to just two shots on goal. The Bengals led off with a controlled offensive presence, keeping the ball on their side of the field for the majority of the first half.  

While Ashlyn O'Malley took the first shot of the match for the Thunderbirds at 4:26, Lena Bonnard was quick to answer with a shot of her own just 30 seconds later. 

Idaho State also presented a strong defense with Gracie East, Nolyn Cromie, Deveree Bell, and Sofia Wolf in particular, blocking several of the Thunderbirds offensive opportunities and hustling downfield after their efforts resulted in possession of the ball. 

Idaho State head coach Dustin Downey pointed out Wolf in particular saying, "Sofia has been great defensively. I mean she's a big reason why we've got the two shutouts."

The Bengals stepped up their offense in the second half, firing off four shots between the 57th - 59th minutes and four more between the 76th - 78th despite fighting through physical contact.

In goal for the Thunderbirds, Tatum Trout responded to the Bengals' attacks with three close saves, recording her third shutout of the season. 

"We changed some things up at halftime, and I think you can tell by the stat sheet," Downey said. "We came out and put up 13 shots in the second half, some really good chances in front of the net."

Nine Bengals were responsible for the 18 shots, showing their variety across the team as an attacking threat. Saydree Cooke, Amanda Brayton, Gracie East, and Lacie Poll each took two shots with Poll putting one on goal. 

Eight of the eleven starters for Idaho State played all 90 minutes, including goal-keeper Aliya Garrett, who has now recorded her fourth shutout of the season as well as two saves.

"I think there's a lot of positives to look at. Yes, we didn't score, but the chances we're getting are really quality, and I think if we can just switch that mentality of trying to just focus on a result and just focus on the details instead in the game, then hopefully we can have a more positive outcome in these next few games and finally get back on the scoring chart," Saydree Cooke said. 

 Idaho State fought until the very end with Samantha Fenkse taking a shot with less than a minute left. Fenske led the team with six shots and three shots on goal and continues to be consistent as an offensive threat for the Bengals.  

The Bengals are now 2-6-4 overall and 0-1-2 in the BIg Sky, still searching for their first conference victory of the season. 
 

Bengal Bites

• Idaho State outshot Southern Utah 18-9, with a 4-2 advantage in shots on goal. 
• Aliya Garrett recorded her fourth shutout of the season, playing all 90 minutes in goal.
• Samantha Fenske led the Bengal offense with 3/6 shots on goal, including one at 89:07. 
• Idaho State's defense held Southern Utah to just five shots in the first half and four in the second.
• Saydree Cooke, Amanda Brayton, Gracie East, and Lacie Poll each recorded two shots.

Up Next

Idaho State heads into a tough matchup against Utah Tech, ranked first in Big Sky with a 6-5-1 overall record and 2-1 in conference. The Bengals will face the Trailblazers on Sunday, Oct. 11 at 1:00 p.m. at Davis Field.