HELENA, Mont. – Whitworth women's soccer officially opened the 2026 season with a 2-0 shutout win over NAIA opponent the University of Providence on Saturday at Nelson Stadium.
Junior forward Kayla Santa Monica led the charge for the Pirates, scoring both goals and pacing the team with four shots. The Argos fell to 0-3.
Santa Monica found the back of the net in the 22nd minute for the first goal of the season. Hailey Herboth flicked the ball forward to Santa Monica, who made a shifty move around the goalkeeper to score. Her goal was one of five Pirate shots in the first half.
The Whitworth lead doubled in the 50th minute. Another well-placed pass gave Santa Monica a second quality chance that she converted by getting the ball past a diving attempt by the goalkeeper.
The Bucs finished the match with a 14-6 advantage in total shots and 6-3 advantage in shots on target.
Emma Ellerd, Herboth and Santa Monica each tallied a pair of shots on goal to lead the attack. Karlee Roderick earned the clean sheet in net and made three saves.
Holly st. Germain led Providence with three shots and two on target. Chloe Pajaro made four saves in 90 minutes at goalkeeper.
The Pirates will return to Nelson Stadium on Sunday at 11:00 am (MT) to battle Carroll College.
