SPOKANE, Wash. – Ayanna Tobeck's goal in the 74th minute lifted Whitworth to a 2-1 Northwest Conference win over visiting George Fox University on Saturday at Whitworth Soccer Field.
The Pirates (3-4 overall) advanced to 2-3 in NWC and extended their unbeaten streak against the Bruins (1-6-1, 0-5-1 NWC) to 13 matches.
George Fox struck first with a goal in the 38th minute. Addison Wolff's shot from distance hit the crossbar and deflected into the air. Anya Gula chased it down and scored to break the tie. The Bruin attack generated six corners in the first half, but the Bucs held strong defensively and prevented damage on set pieces.
Similar to how the first leg of the doubleheader played out, Whitworth tied the game with a penalty kick. In the 61st minute, Tobeck sent a long ball into the box for Emma Ellerd, who was fouled by Bruin goalkeeper Myann Johansen. Sylvie Washington converted the penalty with her second goal of the season.
The Pirates kept the second half pressure on and netted the game-winner in the 74th minute. Grace Hansen's cross to the front of the net bounced off a defender and found the foot of Tobeck, who put home her first career goal. GFU was held to just one shot the remainder of the match.
Whitworth finished with a 9-8 edge in shots, including a 6-2 advantage in the second half. Both teams had four shots on target.
Tobeck and Washington led the attack with two shots each. Four different Bucs recorded a shot on goal. Karlee Roderick made three saves in a full 90 minutes at goalkeeper.
Erin Lam and Gula each had a pair of shots for the Bruins. Johansen made two saves.
The Whitworth women will look for back-to-back conference wins tomorrow against Willamette.
