Thursday, November 3, 2016

BURNABY, B.C. – Seattle Pacific didn’t take its first shot of the 2016 GNAC Championships until the 53rd minute of its semifinal against Central Washington, but that shot resulted in the game-winning goal that sent SPU to the GNAC championship match a 2-0 victory on Thursday at Terry Fox Field.

The victory sends the Falcons to its fourth consecutive GNAC championship match, where they will be looking for a third GNAC championship in four years. Seattle Pacific played Western Washington in each of the last three championship matches and could meet the No. 1 Vikings for a fourth year in a row if they defeat No. 4 Simon Fraser in the second semifinal.

Freshman defender Asia Cayetano set up the match’s lone goal, sending a lob pass from midfield into the box for the Falcons. Sophomore midfielder Brooke Lancaster settled the pass to senior forward Maddie Krauss, who shot immediately and scored into the left side of the goal.

The goal was the fourth by Krauss this season, while Cayetano was credited with her first collegiate assist. The game-winning match boosted Seattle Pacific’s record in the 2016 season to 11-3-4. Central Washington, meanwhile, dropped to 13-5-1 on the season.

Seattle Pacific got an insurance goal from three-time First Team All-GNAC selection Hannah Huesers, who made a steal in in the 81st minute and dribbled into the box before scoring on a shot to the left past a diving Emily Holt for a 2-0 lead.

Huesers played a big part in securing the Falcons’ spot in the tournament, scoring a goal in the 100th minute of the season finale against Concordia to clinch the playoff spot. Thursday’s goal was Huesers 46th career goal to move within three of the all-time GNAC record.

Central Washington dominated possession throughout the first half of the match, outshooting the Falcons 7-0. Reigning GNAC Defensive Player of the Week Molly Stinson continued her scoreless streak with three saves for a third consecutive shutout. Stinson now has seven shutouts this season.

Central Washington will wait until Monday at 3 p.m. (Pacific) for the selection show to determine its playoff destiny. The Wildcats entered the week ranked No. 4 in the West Region, while Seattle Pacific was No. 5. The top six teams in the region will advance to the playoffs, which are hosted by the top two seeds.