SPOKANE, Wash. — Chelsea Le was taken down just outside of the Idaho box in the 16th minute and Marissa Garcia stepped up and smashed a free kick into the top of the net to give Gonzaga a 1-0 victory over the Vandals at Luger Field.
It marks the first NCAA tournament victory for the Zags in program history.
A record crowd of 1,874 at Luger Field saw two local teams square off looking for their first victory in the tournament in school history.
The Zags controlled possession for most of the game and came close to adding to their lead in the second half, but Garcia's goal was enough for the victory.
GU will now head to Lincoln, Nebraska for the second round of the tournament to take on UC Irvine, who upset UCLA last night.
A win would mark the first trip to the Sweet Sixteen in Gonzaga program history.
Game times for the next round will be set next week.
