Valentine's goal lifts Cardinal women

• WOMEN

ROCK SPRINGS, Wyo. - Anna Valentine scored the game's lone goal in the 55th minute as North Idaho College, ranked 12th in the NJCAA, edged Western Nebraska 1-0 on Sunday.

Valentine ran under a long ball from Rachel Crawford, outmuscled a Cougar defender and pushed it under the diving keeper.

"We had a tough time getting started in the first half, never really finding our rhythm," NIC coach Dan Hogan said. "At the start of the second half, freshman Callie Martin really energized her teammates with her effort and aggressive play."

NIC (9-0) plays host to Community Colleges of Spokane on Wednesday.

First half - none. Second half - 1, NIC, Anna Valentine, (Rachel Crawford), 55:00.

Shots on goal - NIC 20, WN 8.

Saves - NIC, Hannah Slinkard 2, Lauren Gibson 4; WN - Tiffany Snethen 11.

• MEN

W. Nebraska 3

North Idaho 1

ROCK SPRINGS, Wyo. - Matt Lieggi scored in the second half for NIC, but coach Ken Thompson said the Cardinals just missed the post twice in the second half, and also saw Western Nebraska clear the ball off the line twice in the half.

"We're going to have to tighten up our defense and tighten that space between our back line and goalkeeper," Thompson said. "(Western Nebraska) has speed that would be good at the national level."

Thompson praised the physical play up front from freshman forward Jake Selaci.

NIC (3-4-1) plays host to Community Colleges of Spokane on Thursday.

First half - 1, WN, Erwin Sanchez (Edrissa Mendy), 44:00. Second half - 2, WN, Jacob Santos (Adhemar Lino), 51:00. 3, NIC, Matt Lieggi (unassisted), 63:00. 4, WN, Baboucarr Sarr (Darwin Tarranza), 66:00.

Shots on goal - NIC 9, WN 12.

Saves - NIC, Dana Ashton 3; WN, Joey Rasnic 5.