FLAGSTAFF ­ Julie Olsen's first goal of the season could be argued as the most important in the program's short history. The goal, the eventual game-winner, gave NAU a 2-1 lead over Cal State Northridge with 10 minutes, 23 seconds remaining. Ironically, as the junior forward's kick sailed past Northridge goalkeeper Tawni Takagi, the afternoon's heavy rain subsided, revealing a rainbow and a Big Sky Tournament berth-clinching 2-1 victory over the Matadors.

"That was pretty," said head coach Tracy Custer. "She's been fighting to score a goal all season and she got one at a crucial time."

The Lumberjacks (8-9-0, 4-3 Big Sky) will be at least a No. 4 seed for its first league tournament appearance, and could be a No. 3 seed if Eastern Washington loses to Montana Sunday. The tournament will be held in Ogden, Utah, with the semifinals Thursday and the championship match Saturday.

Northridge (6-13-0, 3-4) dominated the first half of play offensively. Sophomore midfielder Riya Gough scored the Matador's lone goal at the 24:55 mark. Northridge held on to the lead until early in the second half when NAU sophomore forward Raegin Eyre found the back of the net for her 10th goal of the season off an assist by sophomore midfielder Erin Rummens.

NAU freshman goalkeeper Erin Beckman recorded her fifth win of the season, carding eight saves on the afternoon.

"One of the goals we set at the beginning of the season was to get to the conference tournament," Custer said. "We're a good group on and off the field and that's what's going to help us compete well in the tournament. I've never been associated with a group that plays like a team like our girls do."