Women’s soccer: North Idaho wins NWAC opener

Emily Aspen scored the winner at 55 minutes Wednesday as North Idaho edged visiting Chemeketa 2-1 to open the Northwest Athletic Association women’s soccer playoffs.

Jasmine Smith gave the Cardinals a 1-0 lead at 19 minutes, assisted by Haley White. The Storm (10-6-2) tied the match at 1 on McKenna Kendall’s goal at 38 minutes.

Megan Lowery assisted on Aspen’s winner.

Cassandra van der Mey had four saves for NIC.

The Cardinals (11-5-2) will travel to Port Angeles, Washington, at noon Saturday to play Peninsula (19-1-0) in the quarterfinals. The Pirates have won 13 consecutive games.

Idaho coach Derek Pittman was named the Big Sky Conference Coach of the Year after leading the Vandals to their first unbeaten Big Sky record, the conference announced.

Idaho finished 9-0-1 in conference and earned the right to host the Big Sky Championships.

Eight Vandals also earned Big Sky honors, as announced Tuesday.