On the back of a 4-0 dominating performance against Idaho State University, Idaho looks to keep the momentum going as they host the University of Montana Grizzlies. The Vandals defeated the Grizzlies twice last season with game-winning goals by senior midfielder Margo Schoesler both times.
Idaho comes into the game with an impressive 6-2-2 record and 1-0-1 in conference putting them tied for first place in the conference.
The Vandals have spread around the scoring this season with senior midfielder Hannah Alfaro and senior forward Jadyn Hanks leading the team with four goals going into Sunday’s contest. Senior outside back Alyssa Peters leads the team, and the conference, with seven assists on the season. Schoesler has added four assists of her own.
Montana comes into the game at 6-2-3 and 0-0-1 in conference play after a 1-1 draw with Eastern Washington University.
The Grizzlies have not shied away from tough games this season. They tied with Ohio State and Oregon State and defeated the Oklahoma Sooners 1-0 earlier in the year.
The Grizzlies are led by a three-headed attack. Sophomore forward Eliza Bentler has racked up three goals and two assists. Fifth year midfielder Sydney Haustein and junior forward Skyleigh Thompson both have three goals and one assist.
Montana has only allowed five goals this season, mostly because of its goalkeeper in between the posts. Redshirt freshman Ashlyn Dvorak has started in all 11 games. She has 37 saves and six shutouts.
Both these teams are very experienced and rely on their defense to set up their offense. The Vandals and Grizzlies are both top in offense and defense when it comes to scoring in the conference.
Montana has been challenged a lot more this season than the Vandals. It has grinded out win after win and will look to use that to get the upper hand in this contest.
This game is not just any regular conference game. Idaho and Montana are rivals, and that rivalry will be on full display Sunday.
Jayden Barfuss can be reached at [email protected] or on X @JaydenBarfuss10