Middleton leads NIC to women's soccer victory

COEUR d'ALENE - Natalie Middleton scored the game's first goal and also shined in the midfield as the North Idaho College women's soccer team blanked Salt Lake Community College 3-0 on Friday at Eisenwinter Field.

Middleton scored from 40 yards out in the 20th minute for NIC (4-5-2).

"It was nice to be home after three trips in a row, and sleeping in their own beds must have helped the women decide to be more aggressive in the attack," NIC coach Dan Hogan said. "Natalie Middleton had another good game in midfield. Besides scoring the first goal, she won many balls in the midfield as SLCC tried to counter attack."

Alex Rodriguez and Whittni Mundel teamed for the shutout in goal for NIC, which plays host to Gonzaga University's club team on Sunday.

First half - 1, NIC, Natalie Middleton (unassisted), 20:00. 2, NIC, Keilin Farrand (penalty kick), 44:00. Second half - 3, NIC, Taylor Peterson (unassisted), 70:00.

Shots - SLCC 14, NIC 21.

Saves - SLCC, Ashley Earnshaw 15; NIC, Alex Rodriguez 8, Whittni Mundel 3.