Box Score SPOKANE, Wash. – Emily Fellows' head and the Linfield defenders' feet led the visiting Wildcats to a 2-0 win over Whitworth in the rain and wind on Saturday in a Northwest Conference women's soccer match.
The Wildcats remained unbeaten at 8-0 overall and 4-0 in the NWC. The Pirates fell to 5-3-1, 2-2-1.
Fellows, the reigning NWC Offensive Player of the Year and current league-leader in goals scored, gave Linfield a 1-0 lead in the 16th minute when she headed in a corner kick from Emma Vukic.
Just five minutes later Fellows headed a ball over Whitworth keeper Andrea Stump for a 2-0 Linfield lead. It was the 10th goal of the season for Fellows and Ellie Schmidt had the assist.
The Wildcats took a 2-0 lead into halftime and it might have been much worse but for several acrobatic saves by Stump, an All-NWC honoree last season. Linfield outshot Whitworth 13-0 in the opening half as the 'Cats defense cleaned up any offense foray by the Pirates.
Whitworth prevented any further scoring damage in the second half, but still struggled to keep possession deep in Wildcat territory. The Pirates did not gain their first shot on net until six minutes remained, but Linfield keeper Kallina Haase was able to gather in Jami Hegg's difficult free kick.
"Today we underperformed as a team, mostly because we were timid, did not step well to the ball, and gave Linfield space to attack," said Whitworth head coach Jael Hagerott. "We sorted things out better in the second half but could not get any momentum going forward. Linfield is a quality opponent who fully deserved the win. Now we learn from this game, put it behind us, and prepare for another tough opponent tomorrow."
The Wildcats finished the match with a 19-1 edge in shots, 10-1 in shots on goal. Stump finished with eight saves for the Pirates.
Whitworth will host Pacific (Ore.) on Sunday, while Linfield travels to play at Whitman.
