FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. – The New Mexico State women's soccer team came up short Monday afternoon in its match against Northern Arizona on Max Spilsbury Field at Lumberjack Stadium.
 
Northern Arizona took an early 1-0 lead on the foot of Adrian Nixt at the 17:03 mark during the Lumberjacks' counterattack. The Aggies had three chances to score soon after thanks to three-straight corner kicks, but couldn't convert on either set pieces.
 
NAU's Heather Donais found the ball down the right sideline and shot a rocket at goal, but Ashley Martin was able to extend her arms and snag it out of the air to keep the Aggies within 1-0 of the Lumberjacks at the 27:01 mark.
 
NM State had a corner kick opportunity late in the first half with 41:31 on the clock, but the kick from Valerie Maestas was headed out as the Aggies went into the locker room trailing NAU 1-0.
 
NM State had a scare in the 51st minute after NAU's Victoria Cooper found the ball with her head on a cross from the left side, but Martin was there for the save.
 
Tuti Tirado had a good look on goal with 65:56 on the clock, but it sailed just over the top crossbar. With 83:43 on the clock, Audriana Chavez got a hold of a pass deep in the box. However, NAU's Meghan Dickmann dove to her left to make the save. On the ensuing possession for the Lumberjacks, Martin made an equally as impressive save on the other end.
 
The Aggies were able to keep the ball on their attacking half the remaining five minutes, but weren't able to convert any opportunities by the time the referee ended the match.
 
New Mexico State will have a couple days back in Las Cruces before heading off to the Midwest to play against Valparaiso (8/26) and UIC (8/28) this Friday and Sunday.
 
POSTGAME NOTES: Danielle Smith made her first-career start as an Aggie on defense while Ashley Martin made her first start of 2016 in goal… Tirado made her first-career appearance in the Crimson and White at the 61:53 mark when she came in for Holly Abdelkader…With the loss, NM State now moves to 0-2-1 all-time against Northern Arizona…Northern Arizona now 1-1-0 against Western Athletic Conference teams in 2016.

Thoughts from HC Freddy Delgado postgame at NAU. #AggieUp pic.twitter.com/cSKZAO5eW0

— NM State Soccer (@NMStateWSOC) August 22, 2016