Lumberjacks Begin 2025 Season with Matches Against Embry-Riddle and Nevada in Flagstaff

Flagstaff, Arizona (August 12, 2025)

The Northern Arizona football team is set to face Nevada this Thursday at 7 PM as part of their season-opening homestand at Lumberjack Stadium.

Fans can catch both games at Lumberjack Stadium on ESPN+. Admission is free for everyone. This opener will feature a special recognition for youth teams during halftime.

Head coach Alan Bellios’ Lumberjacks were tied for fourth in the Big Sky Conference Preseason voting, following their impressive ninth consecutive appearance at the conference tournament last fall. They finished fourth in the league with a 4-3-1 record in 2024.

This season, NAU has welcomed back 17 players from last year, slightly adjusting their overall record to 4-7-6. Additionally, they’ve added 15 newcomers, comprising 11 freshmen and four transfers.

Mikara Boex stands out on the 2025 roster, being highlighted for her achievements during the Big Sky Preseason. She was NAU’s leading scorer last season with three goals and three assists, accumulating nine points overall. Both Boex and Avery Ott, who is also returning, led the team in shot attempts.

Erin O’Connor and Olivia Boss are notable as well, having started all 17 matches in 2024. Meanwhile, Ella Flebery and Katie Willoughby are experienced upperclassmen in the midfield and backline.

In goal, a new trio—Lexi Saveski, Reece Reichwald, and Alondra Carvajal Pettory—are vying for a starting spot. All three first-year players participated in two recent exhibitions against Arizona, showcasing their potential.

“I think we gained valuable insights from the exhibition games,” Bellios remarked. “Facing both Arizona teams was a significant test, and we learned how to compete effectively. It’s gratifying to see our team’s resilience as we kick off this season.”

This matchup between NAU and Embry-Riddle marks their fifth historical meeting, the last one occurring in 2011 when NAU secured a 3-1 win at home.

Embry-Riddle comes into the season on a high note, having clinched both the regular season and tournament titles in the 2024 Great South West Athletic Conference (GSAC). They concluded last fall with a strong 15-3-3 record, ranked 18th in the final NAIA coach poll, and participated in the NAIA National Tournament.

Last season, the Eagles dominated, outscoring their opponents 65-12. Jamie Black, a key returner, was among the top goal scorers in the conference, finishing with eight goals.

Northern Arizona and Nevada haven’t met since 2017, when the Lumberjacks eked out a 1-0 win at home. Historically, Nevada leads the series 4-2, though both teams share a record of two wins each in Flagstaff.

In the preseason Mountain West Coach polls, Nevada was positioned ninth. They made the Mountain West Tournament last season, achieving six wins in conference play but wrapped up 2024 with a 6-13-2 record.

Three players from Nevada have been included in the Mountain West Watchlist. Olivia Loomis is the leading returning scorer for the Wolf Pack, while Maddie Benson played a crucial role by starting all 21 games last season. True freshman Naima Castro is among the only two first-year players recognized on the conference’s 39-player watchlist.