by Kelsey Segren, Sports Information Assistant

SPOKANE, Wash. – The Whitworth women's soccer team earned the 2-1 victory over the visiting Linfield Wildcats in Sunday afternoon's Northwest Conference match thanks to goals from Brixiada Mendoza and Jadyn Baumgartner.

Whitworth (6-11-1, 5-8-1 NWC) scored twice in the first half to close out an undefeated weekend on the Whitworth Soccer Field. Linfield drops to 8-9-1 overall and 7-6-1 in conference play with the loss.

Mendoza gave the Pirates an early lead three minutes into the match, sending in her third goal of the year. Hannah Miller sent a short pass in the box to Mendoza for the assist.

Whitworth doubled its lead in the final minute of the first half. Baumgartner sent a pass to Kendall Sharp at the edge of the box then Sharp passed it back to Baumgartner running into the box who won the one-one-one battle with Wildcats goalkeeper Alyssa Bakkensen.

Savannah Acpal nearly extended the lead in the 50th minute, but her shot hit the left post.

Linfield cut the Pirates' lead to 2-1 in the 60th minute as Carole Thomas scored on a tight angled shot from the right side. Makenna Blix was credited with the assist.

Bakkenson made a one handed save, punching the ball away in the 80th minute as Sharp nearly curved a shot into the goal. Bakkensen finished with three saves for the Wildcats.

Linfield finished with the lead in shots (13-9), shots on goal (10-5) and corner kicks (4-0). Isabelle Arends made nine saves for the Pirates, tying a match-high on the season.  

Whitworth will close the 2019 season with matches against Willamette and Lewis & Clark next weekend.