WALLA WALLA, Wash. - Whitman scored twice in the second half and a late goal from Megan McCart proved too little, too late as Whitworth fell 2-1 in the NWC opener for both teams on Saturday night.

The Pirates (1-3-1, 0-1-0 NWC) dropped their second straight road contest while the Missionaries (3-2, 1-0-0 NWC) bounced back from an overtime loss in their previous match.

After a scoreless first half, Clara Merlino opened the scoring in the 59th minute, scoring off a cross from Lena De Guzman. The goal for Merlino marked the third consecutive year in which she has scored a goal against Whitworth.

The Missionaries increased the lead in the 74th minute as Danielle Wieck scored off an assist from Alissa Soo.

McCart helped Whitworth avoid the shutout, netting her first goal of the season on a free kick in the 90th minute. She was credited with the goal at the 89:45 mark, leaving almost no time remaining to potentially tie the match.

"We played against a very good Whitman team tonight," head coach Jael Hagerott said. "It took us a while to sort through things on the field. Pleased that the team kept battling to the end with a goal from Megan."

Whitman held a 19-5 advantage in shots, and outshot the Pirates 12-2 in the second half. The Missionaries also had a 9-2 edge in shots on goal.

Andrea Stump made seven saves for the Pirates. Whitworth committed 17 fouls while Whitman had 15 in the physical match.

Whitworth continues NWC play at home next weekend against Lewis & Clark and Willamette.