Monday, September 16, 2019

PORTLAND, Ore. – Led by junior forward Rikki Myers’ record-breaking performance, the Northwest Nazarene women’s soccer team picked up two wins at home and earned GNAC Team of the Week honors.

Myers did what no other woman in GNAC history has ever done, scoring four goals in the Nighthawks’ 6-2 victory over Cal State East Bay on Saturday to set a GNAC single-game record. Prior to that, 60 players in GNAC women’s soccer history had scored three goals in a single match.

Myers scored her first two goals against Cal State East Bay in the first half. The second goal game in the 45th minute, just before time expired. She would tally two more goals in six minutes in the second half to add to the Nighthawks’ already dominant lead.

Myers also scored the opening goal in the Nighthawks’ 2-1 win over Hawaii Hilo on Thursday. She earned GNAC Offensive Player of the Week honors.

Myers was the highlight of the week, but a complete team effort lifted the Nighthawks. Four different Nighthawks were credited with assists in Saturday’s rout of Cal State East Bay. Senior Maddy Parton and sophomore Magda Wronski were responsible for two assists each.

Sophomore goalkeeper Alexis Montoya recorded 11 saves on the week and was a nomination for GNAC Defensive Player of the Week. Her goals against average stands at 1.03.

“We stepped up and started finishing our opportunities,” said Mary Trigg, who is in her seventh season as head coach of the program. “We’re slowly gaining confidence and playing as a unit.”

With the win, Northwest Nazarene improves to 3-1 on the season. The Nighthawks are scheduled to travel to San Diego, California to complete its non-conference schedule. They will play Cal Poly Pomona at 2 p.m. on Thursday then will go head-to-head with Point Loma at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday.