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The 19th ranked BYU women's soccer team used goals from three players to cruise past in-state opponent Weber State in the the first round of the NCAA tournament. The win gives the Cougars their 15th win against the Wildcats to one loss and one tie and gives the Cougars their eighth win in a row. BYU will now travel to Florida to face the winner of the Denver/Colorado game that will be played tomorrow.
First Half
In a physical first half the Cougars scored early in the 7th minute when a corner kick was misplayed by Weber State and they couldn't keep the ball out of the goal. Using the momentum from this, the Cougars continued to press and put a second ball in the net when Jaiden Thornock slipped the ball past the goalkeeper after a pass from Niki Fernandes. BYU ended the half with the 2-0 lead on six shots to Weber States two.
Second Half
BYU continued to dominate the ball in the second half and increased the score to 3-0 when Marissa Nimmer kicked the ball to Colett Jepson Smith who was able to hit the corner of the net in the 52nd minute. The physical play continued through the half as two yellow cards and a red card were given in a span of less than 10 minutes. The red card on Weber state was earned with Ella Johnson in the box and led to her penalty kick for the fourth goal. BYU finished the game with 19 shots to Weber States six. For the sixth time in eight games, Erica Owens shut out their opponent.
Next Game
BYU will travel to Florida to play next week against the winner of the Denver vs. Colorado game. Time and date have not yet been determined.