CEDAR CITY, UTAH -- The Thunderbirds were hosting the top-ranked team in the Western Athletic Conference and fell to the Wolverines of Utah Valley 3-0.

Head Coach Kai Edwards said

"We competed hard together. I would have loved a goal but their GK made a great save. Esme (Barnes) did well stepping in goal today. We turn to Abilene. Time to get organized and ready to get the goal. This weekend has a de facto playoff atmosphere for us."

FULL POSTGAME

HIGHLIGHTS

Match Recap

The Wolverines have been extremely aggressive offensively all season long, and that continued today. UVU recorded three shots on goal in the first two minutes of the game, with SUU Goalkeeper Esme Barnes stopping the first two, but the third snuck by her in the bottom corner, and Ruby Hladek gave the Wolverines a 1-0 lead just two minutes into the match.

The Thunderbirds did a phenomenal job for the next 60 minutes of the match, playing together defensively and thwarting many attacks from the Wolverines. But eventually Josie Shepherd broke through and scored UVU's second goal in the 67th minute, and then after an excellent play by Barnes a rebound bounced out and Marie Quentel found the open net giving the Wolverines a 3-0 lead.

A deep shot from Carly Radke was just barely deflected over the top of the goal by Leah Wolf in the 73rd minute.

Statistical Recap

The Thunderbirds had four shots with two landing on target. One from Carly Radke and another from Kayleigh Acree. 

Esme Barnes stepped into goal for the Thunderbirds after the NCAA reviewed the red card given to Aubrey Murray from SUU's match against California Baptist and deemed that it was actually Jazmyn Brass who should have been given the card, which meant that Brass was suspended for one match.

Barnes competed really hard and came up with a lot of big saves against the high-powered Utah Valley offense. Barnes made a career-high seven saves on 14 total shots faced.

Aubrey Murray and Sicily Clark each played the full 90 minutes for the Thunderbirds, and Aubrie Labno wasn't far behind them with 88 minutes played.

Clark was incredible for the Thunderbirds, running nearly 10 miles over the 90 minutes played.

Up Next

SUU has a big week coming up, hosting Abilene Christian on Thursday, October 19, at 3:00 p.m., followed by Tarleton State on Sunday.

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