Lovejoy and Jacobson Lift 12th-Ranked Falcons Women over Humboldt in GNAC Soccer
October 30, 2003

SEATTLE, Wa. (Oct. 30)—Shannon Lovejoy and Heidi Jacobson each scored goals in the first half to lift 12th-ranked Seattle Pacific University over Humboldt State 2-0, in a Great Northwest Athletic Conference women’s soccer match Thursday evening at Interbay Stadium.

The victory pushed Seattle Pacific (15-1-2/9-0-1) to its eighth straight victory and one step closer to a second GNAC title. A victory over Central Washington on Saturday afternoon will give the defending champion Falcons at least a share of first. Seattle Pacific is unbeaten in its last 15 matches and finishes the regular season perfect at Interbay.

Lovejoy (So., Seattle, Wa./Seattle Prep.) gathered in a loose ball amidst a scramble in the Lumberjacks’ penalty box in the opening minutes of the match and put it to the left post (1:43). The sophomore midfielder has eight goals in her last eight games and is tied for first in the conference scoring race with 13 goals. Sarah Melby (Jr., Mukilteo, Wa./Kamiak-Idaho) and Megan Lienhard (So., Everett, Wa./Cascade) were credited with assists on the play.

At 18:33, Heidi Jacobson (So., Kirkland, Wa./Cedar Park Christian-Gonzaga) netted her seventh score of the season from 18 yards out on the right side. The sophomore forward lofted the ball over the outstretched hands of HSU keeper Staci Self into the upper left corner of the net off a Mollie Taylor (Fr., Westlake Village, Ca./Oaks Christian) throw-in.

Seattle Pacific dominated on the offensive end, ripping 14 shots at the Lumberjack net. Humboldt State shot four times. Self saved seven balls and Falcon keeper Jennifer Hull (Jr., Eugene, Or./Sheldon) stopped one. Hull registered her 11th shutout.

The match was the final for the team’s home season and for the career of Nicole Ruiz (Sr., Federal Way, Wa.). The senior started two years at sweeper and has been an anchor for a Falcon back line that has allowed just five goals in ’03.

SPU takes to the field in Ellensburg in a GNAC match against Central Washington Saturday afternoon. Kick-off is scheduled for 1PM. Seattle Pacific plays its last match of the regular season at Seattle University Nov. 8.

GOALS:
1) SPU, Lovejoy (Melby, Lienhard) 1:43;
2) SPU, Jacobson (Taylor) 18:33.

SHOTS: SPU 15, HSU 4.

CORNER KICKS: SPU 3, HSU 1.

SAVES: SPU (Hull 1), HSU (Self 7).

FOULS: SPU 8, HSU 12.

CAUTIONS: HSU (Hunter 77:00).