PORTLAND – The Portland State women's soccer team put on an offensive showcase in its Big Sky Conference home opener on Friday, defeating Southern Utah University 3-2 at Hillsboro Stadium.
 
The Vikings are now 3-9-0 overall after winning three of their last four contests and are 2-1-0 in conference play. As for the Thunderbirds, they continue to look for that first win as they move to 0-10-0, 0-2-0 BSC.
 
Portland State had several early chances as Sienna Higinbotham sent a header into the corner of the goal for a save, earning the first shot of the match. Moments later, Molly Joyce attempted a diving header at a cross that landed in the hands of Southern Utah's goalie.
 
"Offensive productivity has been huge for us as of late," said Head Coach Katie Burton. "Our shots, shots on goal and goals has increased every game. Winning at home in the big sky is a must so today's result was big for us in the standings."
 
Southern Utah struck first in the 30^th minute as Allyson Carlisle stole a pass from the Vikings at the top of the box before crossing to teammate Makenzie Lawrence who finished the shot.
 
The lead wasn't with SUU for long as Regan Russell sent a pass deep to Baylee Groom who got around the Southern Utah keeper before sliding the ball into the net for her first career goal at Portland State to tie the match in the 34^th.
 
PSU totaled nine of its 15 shots in the first half and finished with eight shots on goal while the Thunderbirds tallied eight total shots with three on target.
 
After heading into the break all tied up, the Vikings came out firing in the second half.
 
Sofi Papastamos, who was tied for the lead in assists in the Big Sky heading into the weekend, sent a ball into the box off a free-kick, finding the head of Rilee Castilla who perfectly placed the ball over the keeper and into the net to give PSU a 2-1 lead. Castilla now leads the Vikings in goals scored, picking up her fourth of the season.
 
The Vikings scored the game-winner in the 58^th minute after Teá Poore launched a shot into the Southern Utah wall on a free-kick at the top of the box before the ball snuck through and found Molly Joyce who put the ball between the posts for her first goal of the year.
 
"They are getting much better moving down the field as a unit, but we need to be sharper at checking and seeing where the space is and numbers up situations," added Burton. "Overall, they stayed calm towards the end under pressure and kept the ball to ensure the win. We have struggled with this in the past so that shows the growth they have made throughout this season."
 
Joyce finished with a team-high three shots while Castilla and Higinbotham each recorded two shots on goal.
 
The Vikings continue their three-match homestand on Sunday, Oct. 6 as they host Northern Arizona at Hillsboro Stadium. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.