FOREST GROVE, Ore. - Tiara Pajimola scored her third goal of the season in the second half, helping Whitworth earn its first Northwest Conference victory of the season with a 1-0 win over Pacific on Sunday.

The Pirates (2-6-1, 1-4-0 NWC) snapped a five-game losing streak, notching a 1-0 win of their own after dropping the last three matches by the same score. Pacific fell to 4-4-1, 1-3-1.

Pajimola headed home a cross sent in from the right side of the field by Sarah Mickelsen in the 72nd minute, breaking a streak of three scoreless matches for the Pirates.

Both defenses held steady for the majority of the match, as the two teams combined for just five shots on goal. Andrea Stump made two saves while collecting her second shutout win of the year.

Whitworth had a 7-6 edge in shots, and a 3-2 advantage in shots on goal. Pacific took three corner kicks compared with two for the Pirates.

"It was a hard-fought match today," head coach Jael Hagerott said. "We were finally able to capitalize on a great opportunity to go ahead. Credit to the whole team for staying tough and getting the result."

Sunday's match against Pacific featured two positive signs that were a familiar sight last year -- a shutout win and a goal by Pajimola. The Pirates recorded five shutout wins in 2013, along with four scoreless draws. Both Whitworth victories in 2014 have been shutouts. Pajimola led Whitworth offensively last season, netting seven of 16 goals the Pirates scored last year.

The Pirates return home next weekend to host Pacific Lutheran and Puget Sound on Oct. 4 and 5, respectively. Both matches will begin at noon.