Pensacola, Fla. – On a stormy afternoon in Florida, The College of Idaho women's soccer team braved the elements and the nation's elite competition in the NAIA Round of 16. Kickoff was delayed 15 minutes due to lightning strikes around Ashton Brosnaham Stadium, setting the stage for a tense, rain-soaked clash against the University of the Cumberlands (KY).
The Yotes struck first in the 19th minute when Allison Moultray showcased her skill and composure. Off a perfectly delivered corner from Gianna Yslava, Moultray beautifully redirected the cross with a deft header, putting the Yotes ahead 1-0. The Patriots responded quickly, but the Yotes continued to press, trading chances in a match that saw both sides fire relentlessly. The College of Idaho fired off 20 shots, 13 on frame, and Cumberlands had 21 shots, 13 on target.
In the second half, down a goal, Natasja Davis delivered a moment of brilliance. Finding space through a gap in the Patriots' defense, Davis cleverly forced the goalkeeper to lean the wrong way before slotting her shot near post from 20 yards out. Her equalizer in the 76th minute tied the game at 2-2 and electrified the Yote faithful.
Despite the relentless effort, the Patriots found the golden goal in the second overtime, ending the Yotes' historic run with a narrow 3-2 defeat. Goalkeeper Alivia Brenchley stood tall with 10 saves, keeping the Yotes alive through wave after wave of pressure until the final strike.
The College of Idaho closes its season with a 17-3-1 record, cementing its place as one of the best seasons in program history. The Yotes earned the No. 4 seed in the NAIA National Tournament, their highest in program history, and proved they belong among the nation's best.