Ott's Hat Trick Powers Northern Arizona to 4-2 Season-Opening Victory Over Hawaii
Lumberjacks midfielder dominates in Honolulu as Rainbow Wahine suffer second straight defeat to open campaign in an Early Game!!
HONOLULU, HI – Northern Arizona midfielder Avery Ott announced herself in spectacular fashion, netting a hat trick to lead the Lumberjacks to a commanding 4-2 season-opening victory over Hawaii on Thursday evening at Home Stadium. The explosive performance helped Northern Arizona establish early momentum while dealing the Rainbow Wahine their second consecutive defeat to start the 2025 campaign.
Ott's dominant display saw her convert three of her five shot attempts, with all three efforts finding the target in a clinical demonstration of finishing prowess. The midfielder's treble, combined with Micala Boex's contribution, overwhelmed a Hawaii side that showed attacking intent but couldn't match their visitors' ruthless efficiency in front of goal.
The Lumberjacks controlled proceedings from the opening whistle, with Ott orchestrating the attack from her central position. Her movement between the lines consistently troubled Hawaii's defensive structure, creating the space necessary to unleash her five attempts on goal throughout her 84-minute performance.
Northern Arizona's tactical approach proved perfectly suited to exploit Hawaii's defensive vulnerabilities. The visitors registered 16 shots compared to Hawaii's 20, but crucially converted six of their efforts into shots on target while maintaining defensive discipline. Goalkeeper Reece Reichwald completed the full 90 minutes, providing the steady presence needed to secure the victory.
Hawaii's attacking output told a different story of frustration despite their territorial dominance. The Rainbow Wahine managed 20 shots and 11 on target, suggesting they created numerous opportunities but lacked the clinical edge demonstrated by their opponents. Forward Tatum Porter emerged as Hawaii's most dangerous threat, contributing one goal and one assist while registering five shots with four on target during her 68-minute appearance.
Krista Peterson provided additional firepower for the home side, finding the net once from her four attempts while testing the Northern Arizona defense throughout her 76-minute stint. Forward Cate Sheahan proved equally persistent, unleashing six shots with five on target during her 87-minute performance, though she couldn't find the breakthrough her persistence deserved.
The match's tactical battle extended beyond the attacking phases, with both teams making strategic adjustments throughout. Northern Arizona utilized their bench effectively, with key substitutions helping maintain their intensity levels. Valerie Llamas contributed an assist during her 76-minute appearance, while Madisyn Marchesi provided the defensive stability necessary to preserve their advantage.
Hawaii's struggles were compounded by their inability to convert territorial dominance into decisive moments. Despite controlling significant portions of the match and creating numerous chances, the Rainbow Wahine couldn't match Northern Arizona's ruthless conversion rate when opportunities arose.
The victory establishes Northern Arizona as early contenders in their conference, with Ott's hat trick performance serving notice of their attacking capabilities. The Lumberjacks' balanced approach, combining clinical finishing with solid defensive organization, suggests they possess the tactical flexibility necessary for sustained success.
For Hawaii, the defeat extends their challenging start to the season, leaving them with a 0-2-0 record and significant work ahead. The Rainbow Wahine's ability to create chances provides encouragement, but converting those opportunities into goals remains their primary concern moving forward.
Both teams face quick turnarounds, with Northern Arizona hosting South Dakota State University on August 31, while Hawaii welcomes California Baptist University the same day. The Lumberjacks will look to build on this impressive opening performance, while the Rainbow Wahine desperately need their first points of the campaign.
Key Players
- Avery Ott (Northern Arizona) - Recorded a hat trick on three shots on target from five attempts in 84 minutes - Tatum Porter (Hawaii) - Led Rainbow Wahine attack with one goal, one assist, and four shots on target from five attempts - Reece Reichwald (Northern Arizona) - Completed full 90 minutes in goal to secure the clean sheet foundation for victory