Nov. 4, 2011

 

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FRESNO, Calif. - Fresno State made their 2011 WAC tournament appearance with two goals in just over seven minutes. The Bulldogs went on to defeat New Mexico State (3-0) with three goals from three different scorers and five different assisters.

The 'Dogs make their third championship match appearance in four years, second under Head Coach Brian Zwaschka against top seeded Utah State on Sunday, Nov. 6 at 1 p.m.

"We know we have a good team and we know all the work we have been doing is to get us to positions like this," Zwaschka said of being in the championship match. "I like to think it's everything according to plan and the players are confident and doing the right things to get us in this position so I'm really proud of them."

The first goal was a sophomore showcase. Lauren Lindstrom sent a pass across the middle that found fellow sophomore Tara Boynton. The forward tapped it on to sophomore Morgan Castain for the finish just 50 seconds into the match. The goal was Castain's seventh of the year.

Freshman Megan Mossman passed a ball into the top of the box just over seven minutes in that was redirected by Castain to senior Laura Dodd for her fourth goal of the year.

The Bulldogs third goal put senior Molly Nizzoli and junior Callie Hancock in the Fresno State soccer record books. Hancock took a ball off one hop from Nizzoli to the back of the net for her 12th goal of the year. The assist gave Nizzoli the record for most in a single-season (10), while Hancock is now tied for ninth on the all-time career goals list with 14.

"We try to play in such a way that really shares the responsibility and that goes for scoring goals as well," said Zwaschka of the points scored in the match. "We are really pleased anytime anybody gets on the score sheet, but to see variety makes us that much more unpredictable."

Fresno State (11-4-5) went on to hold the Aggies scoreless for its 10th shutout of the season after outshooting New Mexico State 10-6. Freshman Katie DeVault finished with a match-high three saves.

The Bulldogs met Utah State in the regular season finale (Oct. 30) and tied the Aggies (0-0) after two overtimes.

"They are of course a very good team," said Zwaschka. "Unfortunately, we just didn't manage to convert any goals. We're going to go after them and play the game we know how to play it. We look forward to Sunday."

Fresno State is 6-2-3 all-time against the Aggies and 3-0 in tournament play. The last time the two top seeds played for a WAC championship, the Bulldogs defeated top seeded Utah State (Nov. 9, 2008) 2-1 in double-overtime.

"We Are Your Team!" Fresno State gets the chance to defend its 2010 WAC Championship title against Utah State on Sunday, Nov. 6 at 1 p.m. Don't miss your chance to cheer the Bulldogs onto victory on their brand new Soccer and Lacrosse Field. Tournament information and more is available on gobulldogs.com. You can stay connected with Fresno State Athletics on Facebook (fresnostateathletics) and Twitter (@FSAthletics).