Pirates Defeat Bearcats 2-0 during NWC Women's Soccer Battle in Spokane

By Robert McKinney, Assistant Athletics Director, Communications

SPOKANE, Wash. -- Whitworth University scored two goals in the second half, including an insurance goal with 4:24 remaining, as the Pirates defeated visiting Willamette University, 2-0, in a Northwest Conference women's soccer game on Saturday, Oct. 27. Whitworth upped its record to 10-4-3 on the season, 8-3-2 in the NWC. Willamette fell to 11-3-3 overall, 7-3-3 in the NWC.

The game's first goal was scored at 60:41 by Areielle Van Peursem on an assist from Brixiada Menoza. The play began with a crossing pass from Gabriella Coprivnica. Mendoza headed the ball to Van Peursam, who put the ball into the net with a low shot.

A goal by Coby Yoshimura at 85:36 doubled Whitworth's advantage to 2-0. Van Peursem earned an assist after making a touch pass to the edge of the penalty area. Yoshimura scored on a floating shot toward the goal.

Willamette gained an 8-6 edge in shots during the scoreless first half, including a 6-3 lead in shots on goal. Whitworth goalkeeper Molly Webster earned all six of her saves in the first 45 minutes. Her final three saves were during the final 6:12 of the half. She stopped a shot by Shanna Keil (Jr., F, Danville, CA/San Ramon Valley HS) at 38:48 and kept out a shot by Annie Strom (Jr., D, Mount Vernon, WA/Mount Vernon HS) at 39:32 just after a corner kick. Webster saved a shot taken by Fionn Fortune (Jr., M/F, Alexandria, VA/St. Stephen's & St. Agnes/Hamilton Coll.) at 41:08.

Bearcat goalie Kristen Barclay (Jr., GK, Kenmore, WA/Cedar Park Christian School) registered four saves overall, including three before the halftime break. She recorded the final save of the half at 44:08 on a shot by Rachel Wofford.

Whitworth attained a 6-2 margin in total shots over the final 45 minutes, including a difference of 3-0 in shots on target, as the Pirates' defense kept Willamette from establishing momentum. Whitworth ended the game with a 12-10 advantage in overall shots. Each team earned six shots on goal. The Bearcats cliamed a 6-4 lead in corner kicks.

The Bearcats will take on Whitman College in Walla Walla, Washington, on Sunday, Oct. 28. Game time is scheduled for 12 p.m. (PDT).

Big Moment of the Game for Willamette

Fionn Forturne took three shots during the game at
Whitman on Saturday. Her shot at 41:08 in the first
half forced Whitworth goalie Molly Webser to make
a save to keep the game scoreless at that point.
Fortune played all ninety minutes for the Bearcats.