HILLSBORO, Ore. – One goal was enough for the Portland State Vikings as they defeated Idaho State 1-0 at Hillsboro Stadium. Through the periodic downpours and the wind, the Viks clinched a spot in this year's Big Sky Tournament with the victory and will head to Flagstaff, Ariz., for the championship.

Idaho State opened the match aggressively on offense and had the Viks on their heels as Lauren Ryan took two solid shots, one on net, to pressure the PSU defense.

Portland State quickly adjusted after Ryan's shots and began its offensive on freshman goalkeeper Carly Hutchings, making her third career start. Freshman Hannah Kimsey lasered a shot off a rebound to give the Vikings the lead in the 28th minute. Michelle Hlasnik and Melissa Trammel registered assists on the goal, pushing the ball to Kimsey.

In the second stanza, the Vikings offense peppered the net with shots and put eight on target. PSU outshot ISU 16-5 in the half and 23-9 overall.

While she allowed the only goal of the match, Hutchings played brilliantly for the Bengals making several diving saves to keep Idaho State within reach of an equalizer. Portland State had several one-on-one chances at the net, led by Eryn Brown, Megan Martin, Kala Renard and Frankie Ross at the forward positions.

The midfield secured the chances for the Vikings, maintaining possession of the ball throughout the match and clearing it into the Idaho State backfield.

Portland State (8-9-1, 4-2-0 Big Sky) clinched its fourth-consecutive trip to the Big Sky Championship, a new program record. They currently have 12 points in the overall standings and sit in second-place, ahead of Northern Colorado. The Vikings will close their regular season Friday against Sacramento State. Kickoff is slated for 4 p.m.

MATCH NOTES:
Portland State extends its unbeaten streak against Idaho State to six matches … The Vikings earned their seventh shutout of the season … Lainey Hulsizer gritted her way to the second shutout of her career, making two saves … Hulsizer did not surrender a goal in her close to 170 minutes this weekend … Kimsey's goal is her third of the season.