SPOKANE, Wash. – Whitworth women's soccer scored two second half goals to secure a 3-2 win over visiting Pacific University (Ore.) in a Northwest Conference women's soccer match on Sunday at Whitworth Soccer Field.
The Pirates moved to 4-9-1 overall, 3-8-1 in conference play and split the season series with the Boxers (6-10-0, 4-9 NWC).
The Whitworth attack set the tone, setting new season-highs in both shots (20) and shots on goal (11). 14 of those shots came in the first half, which tied the Bucs previous season-high shot total.
That effort in the attacking third resulted in a quick 1-0 lead. Hailey Herboth dished a pass to Emma Ellerd, who made a quick move past a defender and scored. Pacific kept fighting for chances to even the score, and it paid off with a penalty kick just before halftime converted by Marissa Agraz.
The Pirates began the second half just like the first and scored in the first minute of play. After earning a free kick just outside the top of the box, Katherine Kent fired a low line drive into the bottom left corner to take the lead. Five minutes later, Lily Cardenas cut off a defender, sprinted toward the goal line and scored from a tough angle to extend the lead.
Pacific capitalized on another set piece to get a goal back. Jadyn Ayano's cross to the far post was headed in by Ruby Waters in the 60th minute. Whitworth's defense preserved the win, only allowing three Boxer shots in the final 30 minutes of action.
Ellerd and Kaiti Low led the attack, each setting new Pirate career-highs in shots and shots on goal. Ellerd finished with five shots, four on goal while Low had five total and two on goal. All three Whitworth goals were the first of the season for Ellerd, Kent and Cardenas. Karlee Roderick made four saves at goalkeeper.
Rissalyn Hara led Pacific with three shots, two on goal. Isabella Duckworth saved eight shots in net.
The Pirates will look to keep the momentum going next weekend at Willamette and George Fox.
