GLENDALE, Ariz. – Redshirt sophomore Jena Howard tallied a goal and an assist in Vanguard's 2-0 victory over Arizona Christian in Golden State Athletic Conference women's soccer action on Thursday.

It was the second straight shutout victory for the Lions (7-3-4, 3-2-1 GSAC), which defeated Jessup 4-0 last Saturday.

Howard continued her stellar play of late, notching at least one point in five of the last eight contests. She took over the team scoring lead with 11 points on four goals and three assists.

The forward also notched her third game-winning goal of the season. Senior Payton Sak netted a goal for the second straight game, providing an insurance strike in the 84th minute.

Howard led the Lions with five of the team's 14 shots as VU held a 14-10 advantage. Jordin Holmquist-Wilder made two saves to claim her fourth shutout of the season. 

Cami Mercado posted five shots to lead the Firestorm and keeper Tayler Wonderly had three saves.

The Firestorm (9-4-1, 4-2-0 GSAC) were denied an opportunity to wrest first place away from OUAZ and Hope International in the conference standings.

What Happened?: Kaitlyn Currier set up Howard's goal at the 39:26 mark, slipping a nifty pass between two Firestorm defenders. Howard collected the ball and sidestepped another defender before beating the ACU keeper to the far post. 

The Lions took the 1-0 lead into halftime, outshooting the Firestorm 9-4 in the first period. 

The Blue and Gold picked up an insurance goal with just under seven minutes to play. Wonderly blocked Howard's header straight up into the air, and bumped the ball upwards a second time. Sak came flying in and knocked in her header on the goal's doorstep. 

Both teams had other scoring opportunities throughout the game. Mercado took a shot from up close inside the box that went wide left in the fourth minute.

Alyssa Fong banged her attempt off the crossbar in the seventh minute.

Hailey Garvin, playing in her home state, had her shot blocked by a charging Wonderly early in the first half.

The Firestorm had two shots go just over the crossbar – Venecia Torres in the 34th minute and Shayna Mobo in the 71st minute. 

Howard met up with Wonderly from close range and had her shot blocked in the 1v1 encounter with just under 11 minutes to play.

Why Is It Important?: The Lions picked up three huge points in GSAC play, putting them in contention to tie for the regular season crown, or at worst earn a first round bye in the tournament. The Lions need a win at OUAZ on Saturday to potentially earn a share of the title. Hope International would also have to lose at Jessup, and Arizona Christian and The Master's would need to tie for that to happen.

What Was Said?: "Very proud of these girls," said Assistant Coach Courtney Rocha. "Fantastic team effort to get the ball up the field and into the back of the net. They showed up with a ton of fight and got the job done."

What's Next?: VU battles No. 23 OUAZ, the GSAC co-leader, on Saturday at 10:00 a.m. in Surprise, Ariz.