SPOKANE, Wash. - Tiara Pajimola scored an early goal in the 3rd minute and the Pirates used a strong defensive showing to shut out Puget Sound, 1-0, on Sunday afternoon at the Whitworth Soccer Field.

Whitworth (3-7-1, 2-5-0 NWC) earned its first win over the Loggers since 2012, while Puget Sound (6-3-0, 4-2-0) was shut out for the second consecutive match following a 1-0 loss to Whitman on Saturday. The Loggers began the week ranked at No. 15 nationally in the most recent NCSAA/Continental Tire NCAA Division III Poll. 

Pajimola netted her fourth goal of the season from close range in the opening minutes as she took a pass from Katie Bischoff, who was positioned near the top of the box.

Whitworth held its opponent scoreless for the fourth time this season, and collected its third shutout victory. Each win for the Pirates has been a shutout.

The Pirates made the most of their opportunities, generating just four shots against Puget Sound. The Loggers threatened to score on multiple occasions, especially in the first half. Puget Sound held a 15-2 shot advantage before halftime, and took seven corner kicks compared with one for the Pirates in the first half.

Opportunities evened in the second half as each team generated only two shots apiece. Whitworth had three corner-kick opportunities in the second half compared with one for the Loggers.

The Pirates nearly doubled their lead in the second half, as a corner kick sent into the box deflected up off the underside of the cross bar. However, the Loggers' defense was able to clear the ball out of danger.

Andrea Stump collected six saves in recording her third shutout victory of 2014 for Whitworth.

Pajimola's goal was the quickest of the season for the Pirates, who were able to play with an early lead for the first time in conference play this season. Whitworth played strong defense once again in the first half, and is yet to allow a first-half goal in 2014.

"We have not been ahead (early) yet this year, so we were curious to see how our team would respond to it," head coach Jael Hagerott said. "Overall, we were pleased with how they stayed tough, we created a couple other opportunities that unfortunately didn't go in, but to be able to hold onto a lead like that was good for us."

Whitworth will continue conference play at George Fox next Saturday during a rare, one-match weekend.