Finesse was the key to victory in North Park's 3-0 triumph over visiting UC-Santa Cruz in non-conference action Friday night.

After grueling through two physical matchups in the CCIW in its last two contests, North Park showcased a performance its become known for in recent years against a Banana Slugs team that played equally as strong.

North Park garnered 18 of the 30 total shots fired and earned its eighth shutout of the season. Friday's Homecoming affair also marked the return of senior Diego Lashlee, who saw 20 minutes of playing time and assisted on a goal in the win.

The Vikings seized control early when Gianfranco DeCarne put away an unassisted shot off the right side from 10 yards out in the 12th minute. It was his second goal in the last two matches and his first game-winning tally of the season.

Not even 20 minutes later NP made it a 2-0 affair when Carel Kawele Kuzona tallied his first career goal on a header from a throw-in one time assist from Lashlee. Kebba Sanyang then found Nikolay Ianev on a quick pass from the left side in the 73rd minute for the Vikings' final tally of the night.

DeCarne led North Park with six total shots, two on goal while Marcus Ollton added three shots, one on goal. The Banana Slugs finished the match with 12 shots. Matt Rutledge led Santa Cruz with two.

North Park (11-3) returns to action Wednesday when it travels to Kenosha, Wisconsin for a 7:30 p.m. match with Carthage College.