The BYU women’s soccer season came to a disappointing end a couple weeks ago, as the team lost to Colorado in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. However, it was the end to a terrific and exciting season for the Cougars. Here’s a look at some of their finest moments this season, ordered by date.
(1) Sept. 13. BYU snapped a three-game losing streak by taking down ranked Long Beach State 2-0. This win was the first of a 13-game unbeaten streak for the Cougars and a crucial game in the complete turnaround of the season for BYU.
(2) Sept. 20. Niki Fernandes scored a beautiful header goal to record her first goal of her season. She went on to score a career-high two goals as BYU beat Colorado College 4-0. Fernandes’ header goal came from a Marissa Nimmer cross that was headed by Bizzy Phillips and then headed again by Fernandes to the upper corner of the goal.
“Niki’s been continually getting better and better,” coach Jennifer Rockwood said. “Her and Murphy were very anxious to score goals. They hadn’t scored yet this season, so for them to get a goal for this game as we head out on the road is great.”
(3) Sept. 25. Freshman Madi Lyons scored the game-winning goal on her 19th birthday against a talented Oregon team late in the game. It was her first goal of her BYU career. Her goal was a beautiful shot from outside the 18-yard box that won the WCC Goal of the Week.
(4) Oct. 3. Ashley Hatch scored the game winner in a 3-2 win over San Diego on Saturday night in BYU’s first WCC game. It was Hatch’s third straight game scoring.
“San Diego is very dangerous, and they took care of their opportunities, especially on the chances they had,” Rockwood said. “For us to be able to bounce back like we did, to continue to fight and continue to battle, we were looking really great tonight.”
(5) Oct. 9. Ashley Hatch recorded a hat trick as BYU beat Portland 3-0. Hatch’s hat trick was the first one by a BYU player since 2005 and the 17th hat trick in BYU history.
“I knew I wanted the hat trick, so I just kept kicking and finally got it. It was pretty cool,” Hatch said. “Our team has been working hard at practice and have been getting to know each other better. I wouldn’t have scored any goals without my teammates.”
(6) Oct. 23. BYU beat Santa Clara for the very first time in program history with a dominating 5-2 win. The Cougars also notched their 10th consecutive win of the season, keeping them undefeated in West Coast Conference play. Hatch scored two goals, which moved her into a tie for fifth place on BYU’s career multiple-goal games list with four.
(7) Oct 25. Senior keeper Katherine Snyder made a diving save on a penalty kick on senior night to get her fourth conference shutout. This shutout put her in first place in the conference. The Cougars went on to win 3-0 against San Francisco on senior night.
“Kat (Snyder) read it well, and I am so proud of her and what she’s done for our team this year,” Rockwood said. “Having a penalty kick save on senior night is pretty special.”
(8) Nov. 1. BYU clinched its third straight West Coast Conference championship with a 4-0 victory over Pacific on the road. The Cougars clinched their conference prior to the regular season ending and finished 7-1-1 in conference play.
“I’m really, really proud of this group of girls for the season we’ve had,” Rockwood said after winning. “We had a rocky start, and the girls have continued to work hard every game. Winning another WCC championship is unbelievable.”
