Team Stays Undefeated with Home Victory

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PROVO -- In the second game of their five-game home stretch, the No. 12 BYU Cougars (4-0) defeated No. 14 Northwestern with a 2-1 decision on South Field, Tuesday, for their first victory of the season over a ranked opponent.

Both the Cougars and Wildcats came into the game undefeated with Northwestern just coming off a win vs. No. 3 UCLA, the highest-ranked opponent the Wildcats had ever defeated. The win gave BYU a 4-0 start this season.

“This is a great team," said BYU head coach Jennifer Rockwood. "We have tremendous leadership and a lot of kids who have great experience. Last year we had a young team but this year we're more experienced and have lots of excitement, and energy. The girls love playing together and we’re hoping to get better with every game.”

In the 17th minute of the game, BYU first found the net when junior forward Jennie Marshall scored her fourth goal of the season to give the Cougars a 1-0 lead. Kassidy Shumway was credited with the assist on the goal.

Early in the first half, sophomore standout Carlee Payne took BYU’s first shot on goal of the evening but Northwestern goalkeeper, Carolyn Edwards, prevented the score. The Wildcats had three shots of their own in the opening ten minutes of play but Cougar goalkeeper McKinzie Olson neutralized all attempts.

Fifteen minutes into the game Wildcat midfielder Jill Dunn appeared to have an open shot at the Cougar goal but exceptional BYU defense prevented the score. However, two minutes later Northwestern midfielder Jennifer Baumann connected to tie the score at 1-1.

Each team attempted six goals in the first half of play but went into the locker room with the score tied at 1-1.

Minutes into the second half, BYU had a corner kick opportunity but the kick was overshot and the Cougars quickly found themselves on the defensive side of the ball. However, BYU would spend much of the half on their end of the field.

The only goal of the second half was scored when Payne received a beautiful pass from Shumway in the 55th minute of play. The goal gave Shumway her second assist of the night and was Payne’s second score this year. Still, the Cougars had seven shots on goal in the half and only allowed the Wildcats to take two shots in the half, one of which was a free kick in the 82nd minute. Two of BYU’s shots in the second period were attempted by sophomore forward Jessica Ringwood who finished the game with a team and game high four shots.

Head coach Jennifer Rockwood was honored for her success as the Cougar’s head coach following the game. The win marked Rockwood’s 251st win of her career.

“I didn’t plan on being here this long when I first started out,” Rockwood told media following the game. “But I’m still here and I enjoy it so much. I feel very fortunate and there’s no place I’d rather be.”

BYU will face the No. 21 Washington State Cougars Friday at 7 p.m. at home. The game is slated to air live on BYUtv.

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