RIPON, Wis. - Sam Selisch did not score a goal in his 11 matches played as a freshman during the 2010 soccer season. But he made an immediate impact in 2011, scoring Whitworth's first goal of the season in a 2-0 win over Ripon College in the season opener for both schools on Thursday afternoon.

Selisch scored in the 36th minute as first-year Pirates Colin Schockman and Robby Ubben assisted on the play.

Senior defender Dion Coxe gave Whitworth an insurance goal less than two minutes into the second half when he converted a penalty kick.

Senior goal keeper Brian Sherpe made four saves to help the Pirates shutout the defending Midwest Conference champions.

Whitworth outshot Ripon 12-6, including a 6-4 edge in shots on goal.

Whitworth will take on its second MWC opponent in as many days when the Pirates play at Carroll University on Friday night. Carroll is the 2011 MWC favorites.