Saturday, December 7, 2019

BELLINGHAM, Wash. – Western Washington secured a trio of 1-0 wins in the West Regionals to reach the NCAA Division II Quarterfinals. Today, the Vikings gave themselves some breathing room as they topped Dixie State, 3-0, at Harrington Field.

Sophomore Dayana Diaz opened the scoring with a goal in the 30th minute. Senior defender Peyton Chick had a shot on goal that was saved by Trailblazers goalkeeper Adelle Brown, and Diaz found herself in the right place at the right time to put the Vikings up, 1-0.

Senior forward/midfielder Liv Larson gave the Vikings some insurance as she netted her seventh goal of the season in the 49th minute off an assist from freshman midfielder Libby Hielkema. Larson was followed by junior midfielder Grace Eversaul, who continued the scoring party in the 69th off another assist by Chick.

Chick has been the underlying hero for Western Washington in the postseason as she was credited with the assist on the golden goal in the Vikings’ 1-0 double-overtime win over Cal State LA in the second round of the West Regionals and then was responsible for the assist on the game-winner in the Vikings’ 1-0 win over Point Loma on Thursday in the West Regional Championship.

"We are really excited to be moving on and advancing," head coach Travis Connell said. "We don't really talk about the Final Four, but it is an unspoken goal of our program and I am excited for our student-athletes who get to experience this great event."

The Vikings turned in another dominant performance on both sides of the ball, tallying 19 shots and nine shots on goal while limiting the Trailblazers to just three total shots to register their 17th shutout of the season.

"It is a great adventure that we are about to go on and it is something that is well deserved with all the hard work the players have put in," Connell said.

With the win, the Vikings improve to 22-2-0 on the season and extend their winning streak to 18 matches to claim the first spot in the NCAA Division II Semifinals. The Vikings advance to the Final Four for the fourth time in seven years and will face Flagler at 2 p.m. (ET) on Thursday in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.