The Sacramento State women’s soccer team lost 3-1 against Northern Colorado on Friday, ending their appearance in the semifinals of the Big Sky Conference Tournament in Moscow, Idaho.

Head coach Randy Dedini is proud of his team and its performance.

“I am disappointed that we lost, but I thought our girls played extremely hard,” Dedini said. “I am extremely proud of the way we played.”

Northern Colorado came out strong in the first half, dominating in shots 11-2. Bears junior midfielder Kassy Castillo scored the first goal of the game in the eighth minute.

During the 13th minute, Sac State junior forward Adaurie Dayak tied the game up 1-1 with an assist from junior defender Rachel Leonard. Leonard had a free kick from the sideline and found Dayak inside for the goal.

In the 27th minute Bears freshman forward Mariel Gutierrez scored a goal, making their lead 2-1, with the assist by senior forward Rebecca Lancia. During the 33rd minute Lancia scored a goal herself, increasing their lead to 3-1.

Despite being down 3-1 at the half, the Hornets came out strong in the second half, outshooting the Bears 13-3. The Hornets also had five shots on goal, but couldn’t score.

Sac State finished the game with 15 shots and Northern Colorado had 14.

Sac State goalie junior Molly McConnell had a season-high six saves. Bears goalie Kaitlin Ruff totaled five saves.

This was the Hornets’ first appearance in the Big Sky Tournament in five years. The team has only one graduating senior, so next season’s roster will be filled with a majority of experienced seniors and juniors.