CHENEY, Wash. – Another amazing season came to a close in heartbreaking fashion, as No. 1 Idaho (10-5-4) fell to No. 5 Eastern Washington (13-4-3), 1-0, in the Big Sky Semifinals on Friday afternoon.
 
"I thought our players played with a lot of heart and played with the execution we needed them to," said head coach Derek Pittman.  "We lacked a bit of urgency in front of goal, but that had a lot to do with how well Eastern defended.  Take nothing away from them, sometimes results go this way.  We know every time we match up with Eastern that it's an absolute battle and it's a war and it was exactly that today."
 
Both sides played like a shot at a championship was on the line, with neither team giving up much ground.  The Eagles got the game-winner in the 88^th minute, with Allison Raniere finishing from close range after a low cross from Big Sky Offensive Player of the Year Chloe Williams on a breakaway.
 
The Vandals played like Vandals, fighting until the final horn, but just could not find the equalizer in the closing moments.  The Vandals outshot the Eagles on the day, 9-7, but had just one on goal.
 
Idaho had a tremendous season, winning its second consecutive Big Sky Regular Season Championship and winning 10-plus games for the just the fourth time in program history.  Idaho will say goodbye to nine seniors this offseason, but are already retooling to make another run at a Big Sky Championship in 2017.
 
Fans can stay up-to-date on all things Idaho soccer by following the team on Twitter and Instagram, @VandalsSoccer, or on Facebook by searching Idaho Vandals Women's Soccer.

For more information on Idaho Athletics, visit GoVandals.com.  Fans can also find Idaho on Twitter and Instagram, @Idaho_Vandals, or on Facebook by searching Idaho Vandals.