In a tough battle of wills, it was the Seattle University women's soccer team that outlasted San Diego State Sunday to go a perfect 2-0 at UNLV NIKE Invitational in Las Vegas, Nev. Major contributions from both the newcomers and veterans helped guide the Redhawks (7-3) to a 3-1 victory over the Aztecs. The win also marked 15th season head coachJulie Woodward's 200th career victory.

"Today we knew it was going to be a tough game. We both have good depth and it would come down to which team had the better attitude and worked harder. Our team was resilient today versus a good San Diego State team. Instead of giving up, they worked hard and had a strong second half," said Woodward.

The Redhawks took possession of the ball immediately and drove it into the Aztec half. In the eighth minute their efforts were rewarded, as sophomore Mary Hill (Mercer Island, Wash.) sent in a free kick that connected with senior Jordan Salisbury (Federal Way, Wash.) to give SU an early 1-0 advantage. The goal marked the third time this season Hill and Salisbury have connected for Redhawk goals, with all three Salisbury goals coming off headers.

Seattle U held off San Diego State's offensive attempts until midway through the first half, as SDSU began to send in a series of shots. An opening inside the box at 25:28, allowed the Aztec's Cat Walker to even the game, 1-1, with her shot from eight yards out.

"We were able to control the first 20 minutes of action and SDSU was much better for the final 25 minutes in the first half. It showed a lot of maturity from our players to put together a strong second half. We knew it was going to be a tough final half, but we stayed motivated and determined to work to come out on top," Woodward said.

After allowing SDSU to tie the game in the first half, the Redhawks reignited their offense in the final 45.

Their efforts were rewarded in the 60th minute, as freshman Stephanie Verdoia (Salt Lake City, Utah) sent in the game-winner. She received a cross from junior Taylor Bolibol (Woodinville, Wash.) and shot in her fourth career goal from 10 yards out to the right side.

The Redhawks maintained their momentum for the remainder of the game and topped off their victory with a final strike from freshman Megan Daniels (Lake Forest, Calif.). Classmate Taylor Ritzman(Holladay, Wash.) dished her first career assist in a cross to Daniels from the right side, who sent in a shot from the middle of the box.

"I am proud of our effort today and am impressed with the team's work ethic. We are not only maturing as a team, but we are playing well with each other and to our team's strengths," concluded Woodward.

The match marked the conclusion of SU's 10-game road swing. The Redhawks will return to Seattle to host their season home opener on Friday, Sept. 23, versus San Francisco. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m. Prior to first kick, Seattle U will host a pregame ceremony recognizing the career of Woodward and commemorating her 200 career victories.

---

RECOMMENDED FOR YOU

Men's NCAA Tournament First Round Recap

Women's NCAA Tournament Second Round Recap

Vanderbilt Shocks No. 1 Florida State