BYU extends win streak to eight with win over Gonzaga

PROVO, Utah – Behind goals from Elena Medeiros and Michele Murphy, No. 23 BYU women's soccer beat Gonzaga 2-0 Saturday night at South Field.

"We've gotten better each week," BYU head coach Jennifer Rockwood said. "The girls are playing so well right now and they're fun to watch. Our goal is to continue to get better with each match."

The win marked eight victories in a row for the Cougars (9-3-2, 3-0-0), and 10 victories in a row against West Coast Conference opponents, dating back to last year. By beating Gonzaga (8-6-0, 3-1-0), BYU became the only WCC team without a loss or tie in conference play this season.

BYU goalie Katherine Snyder picked up her fourth solo shutout of the season, saving three shots in the match. On offense, the Cougars attempted 23 shots, putting 11 on goal.

Battling to remain undefeated in conference play, the two teams entered halftime knotted at 0-0. The Cougars controlled the ball for most of the first half, recording 15 total shots and six shots on goal. BYU's defense held Gonzaga to just three shots, with zero on goal.

Looking to score a goal for her fifth straight match, Cougar forward Ashley Hatch took five shots in the first half and placed two on goal. In the 18th minute, the sophomore drilled a left-footed shot that slammed off the top left corner of the goal. Rebounding her own attempt, Hatch sent another attempt toward the goal, missing just high.

BYU's offense broke through in the 60th minute. Hatch, dribbling around Gonzaga defenders, sent a cross toward a streaking Medeiros on the left side of the goal. Medeiros ripped it back toward the far post, putting it just past Bulldog goalie Christie Tombari. Medeiros' goal was her fourth on the season and gave the Cougars a 1-0 lead.

Three minutes later, Niki Fernandes flew down the left sideline on a counter attack. Fernandes found Murphy on the left side of the goal, whose shot attempt ricocheted off the near post and bounced off Tombari for the score. Murphy's third goal of the season put BYU up 2-0.

BYU next takes on Loyola Marymount Saturday, Oct. 18 in Los Angeles at 7 p.m. PDT.