TEMPE, Ariz. - Arizona fell in a close 3-2 decision at Arizona State on Friday to close out the regular season. It was an evenly-matched offensive game as the Wildcats (8-7-3, 5-5-1 Pac-12) and the Sun Devils (9-5-3, 5-5-1 Pac-12) each took 12 shots.
It took until the ninth minute for either team to get a shot off with Megan Chelf seizing the opportunity. It wasn't long before Nicole Dallin sent a long one towards the net in the 11th minute, but Sun Devils goalkeeper Pauline Nelles was able to make the save.
The Sun Devils got on the board in the 24th minute with a goal by Keri Matthews.
Chelf and Dallin both got looks later in the half, Dallin's on a free kick, but both were saved to keep Arizona off the board.
The game was knotted up at 1-1 in the 43rd minute after a cross from Chelf bounced off Arizona State's Nicole Douglas into the net. At the half, the Wildcats led Arizona State 8-2 in the shot count.
The Cats came out strong after halftime and took the lead with a goal in the 27th minute. Sami Baytosh sent a corner kick into the crowd, and Nyota Katembo was able to slide it between a Sun Devils defender and Nelles into the net.
Arizona State tied it back up in the 52nd minute with a goal by Eva van Deursen, and the Sun Devils took the lead in the 79th minute when Lucy Johnson's goal slid just over the head of
Hope Hisey.
Chelf led the team with five shots, but the Cats put up a balanced scoring effort with five members of the squad taking shots.
With the conclusion of the regular season, the Wildcats away the NCAA Selection Show Monday, Nov. 7 at 1 p.m. PT to learn if they will receive a bid to the NCAA Tournament.
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