By: Caden Frank
SPOKANE, Wash. – Whitworth women's soccer will hit the road after two weekends at home, taking on Whitman at 4:30 on Wednesday and Pacific at noon on Sunday as the first half of a women's-men's doubleheader.
Links to videos and live statistics are available on the Whitworth women's soccer schedule.
The Pirates: Whitworth (5-6-3 overall, 5-5 NWC) comes off a home split against Pacific Lutheran and Puget Sound, the top two teams in the NWC standings. The Pirates' offense continued finding new ways to score last weekend, as four different women found the back of the net.
On Saturday, Whitworth hung tough with the six-time defending NWC champions. The Pirates trailed 1-0 at halftime after surrendering a 12th minute goal, but Laura Pierson scored off a 53rd minute free kick and the Pirates were tied briefly. After falling behind again it was Kylee Russell, the team-leader in goals, who made things interesting with a goal in the 81st to bring Whitworth within one. Whitworth outshot the Lutes 5-4 in shots on goal but couldn't find the last-minute equalizer.
Sunday against second-place Puget Sound brought another test, but the Pirates came out with some fire. Emma Ellerd and Camryn Kuolt scored their first goals of the season, striking in the 13th and 43rd minute to give Whitworth a convincing 2-0 lead at the break. It was the first time this season that Whitworth scored multiple goals in the first half. The Pirates never relented, putting together arguably their most convincing win of the season to defeat the Loggers 2-0.
Spreading the wealth: The Pirates have embraced a "strength in numbers" mentality, and their offense is seemingly better because of it. Eleven players have scored this year, and every player on the roster has seen time. Both matches this weekend featured numerous substitutions, and production from players off the bench.
The Opponents: Whitman (7-4-3 overall, 6-3-1 NWC) poses another test for Whitworth who will have played the conference's top three teams in three straight matches. The Blues are coming off a huge win over Pacific Lutheran, their second win over the Lutes this season. Whitman scored late to win it 1-0 and move within a point of second place. The Blues have been outstanding defensively allowing just 10 goals (second in the NWC), including five shutouts this season. One of those shutouts came in their first meeting against Whitworth, a game which the Pirates lost 1-0. Using three keepers, Whitman has a save percentage of 87.2%. Offensively however, the Blues have managed just 13 goals (tied for second-least in the NWC). Whitman is coached by Michelle Voiland who is in her fourth season with the Blues but coached 11 seasons at Oregon State prior to that. Virginia Hunt leads Whitman in goals (3) and points (7) and is second in shots on goal (10).
Pacific (3-9-1 overall, 2-7-1 NWC) snapped an eight-game losing streak with a 2-1 win over George Fox on Sunday. It's been a challenging season for the Boxers who are a point ahead of last place Willamette, a team they lost to in early October. Pacific has managed just eight goals this season which ranks last in the conference, and they've only gotten off 93 shots which is eighth in the conference. They've been slightly better on the defensive end, and they will need more of the same against the Pirates who've recently found some traction on offense. The Boxers are coached by Chelsea Davis who is in her second season with the program. Katelyn Volchok leads the Boxers with two goals and two assists, however Mirella Garcia is also a factor on offense. She leads the team with 27 shots (11 on goal), that's 17 more shots than any other Pacific player.
The Coach: Whitworth soccer alum Cameron Bushey is in his second season as head coach of the women's soccer team. The Pirates finished 6-8-5 overall and 6-6-4 (fourth place) in the NWC last season.
He came from Stanislaus State, where he was the top assistant coach. Bushey has club coaching stints in Spokane and Colorado, and he was an assistant at Gonzaga University for two seasons (2018-19). He graduated from Whitworth in 2012 as a four-time All-NWC honoree who helped lead the Pirates to three NWC titles and NCAA Division III tournament appearances in 2008 and 2009.
Coming Up: Whitworth will be back at home to take on Linfield and Willamette on October 28-29.
