Box Score
HILLSBORO, Ore. – Seniors Megan Martin, Amanda Howie and freshman Cori Bianchini all scored goals to give the Viks a 3-1 victory over Sacramento State at Hillsboro Stadium, Friday afternoon, guaranteeing the Viks at least a share of the 2012 Big Sky regular season title. The Viks repeat as champions from last season, sharing the title with Northern Colorado last campaign.
 
Portland State entered the match controlling its own destiny, and didn't waste any time in taking control of the match. Martin corralled the ball off a blocked shot from sophomore Daniela Solis, and fired home her third of the season to put PSU up 1-0. The Viks controlled the action for the rest of the half, heading into halftime with a 9-4 advantage in shots and a 3-0 edge in corner kick opportunities, and a 1-0 lead.

PSU added to its lead in the second half as Bianchini received a through ball from Martin, came in all alone on goalkeeper Shelby Tomasello and slipped it past the far post, extending the Viks lead to 2-0 in the 60^th minute.
 
The Hornets broke through just five minutes later as Elece McBride received a pass from Jordyn Rolling and made it count, cutting the PSU lead to 2-1.
 
The squads traded chances as the half wore on but the Viks got some help from its senior leadership as Howie tallied her fourth of the year launching a rocket off a free kick that grazed the crossbar and into the net to give Portland State a decisive 3-1 lead.
 
Despite some a yellow card handed out to both Martin and Sacramento State's Jordan Carlberg before the end of regulation, PSU was able to outlast the Hornets and close out the match, winning by a final score of 3-1.

“It's one of our goals all season to clinch at least a share of the conference title and with several other good teams who are in contention for it, its huge to get this win,” said head coach Laura Schott. “Its big for our senior group who have been a part of this three times in their career, so I'm very happy for them and happy for the team. We've had contributions form everyone up and down our roster from freshman to seniors so it's been great.”

The Viks tallied its 10th game in 2012 where they've recorded 20 or more shots in a game, outshooting the Hornets 20-10 in the match. They also had an advantage in corner kick opportunities, 6-1.
 
Bianchini paced the Viks' attack with five shots while Howie and Martin both had three. McBride led Sacramento State with three shots while Victoria Ramirez had two.
 
Senior goalkeeper Lainey Hulsizer improved to 8-7-2 on the season making two saves and allowing one marker. Tomasello dropped to 3-6-4 in 2012, making six saves and allowing three goals in the match.
 
Portland State will now wait to see where they will play when it comes to the conference tournament. A loss or tie from Idaho State against North Dakota on Saturday means that the Viks would win the conference title outright and host the 2012 Big Sky tournament. If the Bengals do defeat North Dakota, the two teams will share the title and the Idaho State will host due to their edge in the season series.
 
The Viks will next be in action on Weds., Oct 24 when the team travels to Cal State Bakersfield for the team's final match. The start time is slated for 7 p.m.
 
GAME NOTES: The win improves the Viks' series record with Sacramento State to 6-10-1 all-time … The Viks have now earned conference title in back-to-back years after sharing the honor with Northern Colorado in 2011 … Laura Schott is now 23-7-7 in Big Sky matches during her career at PSU.