NAMPA, Idaho – With a 1-0 win over Northwest Nazarene University (4-7-2), the Wildcats have clinched their spot in the GNAC Tournament for the first time since 2019. The win advances the 'Cats to a conference record of 6-5-2 and clinches the fourth seed in the GNAC. It was a thrilling finish at Nampa as the 'Cats won the game in the final moments with a goal off the boot of
Shannah Mellick to win the game at the 89th minute. The Wildcats have now swept the Nighthawks this season as they look to carry that momentum into their match versus the seventh-ranked Western Washington Vikings for Senior Day.
QUOTING HEAD SOCCER COACH JOHN HAWKS:
"To see this group continue to get rewarded for all their hard work is a real joy to witness. It's been a total team effort all year, and this win is for Wildcat Nation. Our group maintained steady pressure all game, especially in the second half. Winners win, shooters shoot, and
Shannah Mellick took the challenge of kicking the door down to advance our group to the postseason to heart! Her big moment came and she executed it with confidence.
Their commitment to the craft and desire to put extra reps in on their own when no one is around is paying off! Really happy for them all and especially our seniors who we celebrate come Saturday. Their leadership and willingness to support and give underclassmen space to lead too is unique and a reflection of who they are, and we will celebrate on Senior Day versus WWU … Go 'Cats!"
FIRST HALF:
The first half of the match was dominated by the Wildcat offense as they were consistently getting shots up. The 'Cats' attack put Nighthawk goalie Alex Barass to work, as she had four saves in the first half alone on seven shot attempts to the goal from CWU. While the offense couldn't finish a goal to give themselves an advantage on the scoreboard, the opportunities were evidently there, and they knew it was a matter of time until a shot landed in the net. The defense of CWU was strong throughout the whole game, but especially in the first half. Northwest Nazarene only managed to get one shot off in the first half, where CWU goalie
Danika Galbraith earned herself a save to keep the net clean. The teams entered the half knotted up at 0-0, but both squads knew that one goal could break the match open.
SECOND HALF:
The second half of play looked very similar to the first half of the match, with the 'Cats dominating both sides of the ball. Central got off eight shots compared to the Nighthawks three and still kept the net clean, as Galbraith had another save. It was not until the final moments of the match that the Wildcats finally snuck one past Barass. With just seven seconds remaining in the match, when it mattered most,
Shannah Mellick drilled one home to give the Wildcats the late 1-0 lead over NNU to clinch their spot in the GNAC Tournament for the first time since 2019. The Wildcats will finish the season as the fourth seed in the GNAC, just short of Seattle Pacific University in third place.
UP NEXT:
The Wildcats will move on to their Senior Day game versus the seventh-ranked Western Washington Vikings (11-0-1) in a rival matchup. The last time the two played the 'Cats held the Vikings to a 0-0 tie, leaving the only blemish on the Vikings near undefeated season. The match will be held at Tomlinson Stadium on Saturday at 11 a.m.
