PORTLAND – The Portland State women's soccer team finished a perfect 2-0 on the weekend after defeating Northern Arizona University 1-0 on Sunday at Hillsboro Stadium.
 
Liz Hansen collected a deflection before sending a pass from 30-yards out, finding the foot of Sienna Higinbotham who finished the shot in the 84^th minute to score the game-winner.
 
With Sunday's result and a 3-2 win over Southern Utah on Friday, the Vikings improve to 4-9-0 overall and 3-1-0 in Big Sky Conference play while NAU drops to 5-5-2, 1-1-1 in the BSC.
 
"Every win is important in the Big Sky but winning at home is a must to make the tournament," said Head Coach Katie Burton. "The first half was tough for us. We weren't able to play our normal possession style. NAU was very good at the first and second ball in the air and they played their style well."
 
Northern Arizona controlled the match for the majority of the first half, outshooting Portland State 10-4. Enya Hernandez kept the Lumberjacks off the board, finishing with eight saves in the match for the second shutout victory of her career.
 
Things changed quickly in the second half as the Vikings put the pressure on NAU almost immediately, hitting three shots in the first five minutes of the half.
 
"Coach Whitney suggested a few tactical changes, we ran with it and our forwards implemented it perfectly," said Burton. "Our midfield was big time at winning everything in the air and helping find the wide spaces, and our backline was fantastic on the details while Enya made some huge saves for us."
 
Tea Poore landed two shots on goals from deep in their attacking third, both ending up in the hands of NAU's keeper. The Vikings finished with 15 shots total, five on goal, while Northern Arizona ended with 17 shots and eight on goal.
 
Higinbotham's goal was the first game-winning goal of her career as she moved her season total to four. Her and Poore led the squad with three shots each.
 
"Sienna plays like a senior," added Burton. "When she was on the end of that ball, we had no doubt she'd finish low far post. We've been harping on that all year. She stayed calm and put it away for us! That win took everyone being physically and mentally sharp. We are excited about where this team can go!"
 
Portland State returns to Hillsboro Stadium next week as the Vikings welcome in Sacramento State for the only match of the week on Sunday, Oct. 13.