WALLA WALLA, Wash. – Kevin Serrano's goal in the 73rd minute lifted Whitman College to a 1-0 win over visiting Whitworth in Wednesday night's Battle of Whits at James Hayner Field.
The Pirates fell to 2-4-1 overall and 0-2-1 in the NWC. The Blues (5-1-1) stayed unbeaten in conference play (3-0) and won their third straight match over Whitworth.
Much of the first half was played in the midfield as both teams played strong defensively. Four of Whitman's five first half shots came in the first 12 minutes of action, but the Bucs settled in and outshot the Blues 3-1 the remainder of the frame.
Chances in the attacking third increased, as did the intensity for both teams in the second half. The Blues nearly broke the tie in the 64th minute with a breakaway opportunity but goalkeeper Oliver Hart came off his line to make the play.
Nine minutes later, Serrano collected a pass near the corner of the box, made a quick move to his left and curled a shot into the top left corner. The game-winner was Serrano's third goal of the season.
The Pirates kept fighting and had several chances near the net late in the match. With ten minutes left, Christoff Zimmerman tried to take advantage of a Whitman mistake in the box but his shot was saved. Jaxsen Teeter tallied two shots on goal in final six minutes, both saved. The Bucs earned a free kick with 25 seconds left that was taken by keeper Hart. His cross bounced around the box before Zimmerman's game-tying shot sailed wide.
Whitman finished with a 12-8 advantage in shots and 8-5 edge in shots on goal.
Teeter led the Pirate attack with three shots, all on target. Aaron O'Byrne and Zimmerman each added a shot on goal. Hart played the full 90 minutes in net and made a career-high seven saves.
Serrano led the Blues with four shots and two on goal. Tait Whittemore made five saves at goalkeeper.
The Whitworth men head to Oregon to battle Pacific on Saturday at noon.
