As the Idaho Vandals came off a 10-6-2 (4-4-1) 2021 season, they were looking to improve. A few new players, especially freshman goalkeeper Kira Witte, got that done.
Witte’s record-tying 11 shutouts not only led the Vandals to 11 wins, but also got her Big Sky first team all-conference honors, goalkeeper of the year and newcomer of the year.
The transfer portal was also kind to the Vandals as they got sophomore midfielder Annika Farley from the University of Portland. Farley arrived in Idaho and did not immediately start but earned her starting position. She was a spark for the Vandals, scoring two goals, including the game winner against Northern Colorado.
The final impact newcomer is sophomore midfielder Jayd Sprague, who transferred from the University of San Francisco. Sprague instantly came in and made the Vandals midfield a dominate force. She had two goals and one assist in her first season as a Vandal.
The season was a bumpy one for sure as the Vandals started out the year beating UC San Diego 2-0, but lost their second game 7-2 against San Diego State. That loss woke up the Vandals as over their next 10 games they had eight wins, two draws, and did not allow a single goal. That stretch included key wins over Montana, Northern Colorado and Weber State.
In their next game against Northern Arizona, the Vandals fell 1-0 as the Lumberjacks handed them their first loss in 10 games, and first conference loss.
The Vandals went 2-1 after that, beating Portland State and Eastern Washington 3-1 and 2-1 respectively. Their loss came against Sacramento State as two late scores gave the Hornets the 2-1 win.
The Vandals ended the season 11-3-2 (6-2), which was good enough for the #2 seed and a first-round bye in the Big Sky Tournament this weekend. The Vandals will play either Montana or Portland State in the semifinals on Nov. 4 at 10:00 a.m. The winner of that game will go to the championship on Nov. 6 at 11:00 a.m.
The Vandals’ effort throughout the season allowed them to break records and hit milestones. This Idaho team is tied for third in school history with 11 wins. The last time the Vandals were able to do so was in 2000.
On top of all her other accolades this season, Witte tied the single season Big Sky shutout record with 11. She also tied for the second most shutouts in the NCAA this season.
Graduate midfielder Savanah Foster and sophomore defender Cassidy Elicker also received Big Sky all-conference first team honors. Sprague, sophomore midfielder Margo Schoesler and junior defender Allysa Peters were named all-conference second team. Junior forward Maddy Lasher and sophomore defender Rebekah Reyes received Big Sky honorable mentions.
All those awards are nice, but to Idaho, and Schoesler, their eyes are on prize.
“We are excited. We want a ring from this season,” Schoesler said.
Schoesler had a lot of great moments this season, but there’s one weekend that sticks out.
“The Montana and UNC weekend. Winning those were huge,” she said
This season was full of close games and heartbreaks, especially the last second loss to Sacramento State that knocked the Vandals out of first place.
“Afterward it was anger, then it turned to determination,” Schoesler said.
Although the season was full of great moments, it also brought a few injuries for the Vandals, including junior forward Maddy Lasher. Lasher missed two games this season before returning against Idaho State.
“It was honestly the best feeling,” Lasher said. “I had been fortunate enough to not get injured (before), so this one humbled me. When I came back, I was super happy.
The Vandals had a season of great wins, heartbreakers and milestones. Now, they look to get some jewelry, add to their trophy case and cap off the 2022 season with a Big Sky championship. It would be their third in school history, and first since 2016.
Jayden Barfuss can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @JaydenBarfuss10