SPOKANE, Wash. - Whitworth used a strong defensive performance and scored twice within a two-minute span early in the second half to earn a 2-0 win over Pacific (Ore.) on Sunday afternoon at the Whitworth Soccer Field.

Whitworth (4-3, 2-1 Northwest Conference) won its second conference match in as many days while Pacific fell to 1-6 overall and 1-2 in NWC action.

DeNae Vandam gave Whitworth the lead in the 56th minute, scoring her second goal of the season from near the top of the 18-yard box with assists from Jennifer Loehner and Megan McCart. Loehner crossed the ball in from the left side and McCart gave the cross a slight redirect flick to Vandam, who found herself with space to fire a shot.

The Pirates doubled the lead moments later when Jenna Morris scored her first goal of the season with an assist from Tiara Pajimola in the 58th minute. Pajimola worked her way into the 18-yard box and fell as she battled for possession but still managed to drop a pass back to Morris, who scored from outside the box on a high-arcing shot over the head of the Pacific goalkeeper.

Whitworth put consistent pressure on the Pacific defense with 20 shots in the match, including 13 after halftime.

Pacific goalkeeper Kililana Kunitomo made several impressive stops and totaled nine saves before an injury forced her to leave the match late in the second half. Ari Bali collected two saves in replacement of Kunitomo and the Boxers also recorded a team save in the match.

The Pirates' defense held Pacific to only four shots and Whitworth goalkeeper Andrea Stump collected two saves in the shutout effort. Sunday's match was the third shutout win of the season for Whitworth.

Whitworth travels to face Linfield and Willamette in Oregon next weekend. The Pirates will take on Linfield at noon on Saturday, Sept. 26, before playing Willamette on Sunday, Sept. 27. Both matches are scheduled to begin at noon.