By Robert McKinney, Athletics Communications Director, (503) 370-6110

SPOKANE, WASH. -- The leaders in the Northwest Conference men's soccer standings, the Whitworth University Pirates, shut out Willamette University 6-0 on Saturday, Oct. 18 to improve to 10-2-1 overall, 6-2-0 in the NWC. Willamette dropped to 2-9-1 overall, 1-6-1 in conference play.

Eddy Prugh recorded a hat trick for the Pirates with three goals on the afternoon. His first goal was scored at 30:04 and gave Whitworth a 2-0 lead. He added another goal prior to halftime, at 42:44, then completed the hat trick by hitting the net just under six minutes into the second half at 50:54.

Whitworth gained an early lead just 4:23 into the contest, on a goal by John Brookover that was assisted by Joey Mattina. Prugh's first two goals provided the Pirates with a 3-0 halftime advantage.

The third goal by Prugh was one of three successful shots by the Pirates in the second half. Chris Stibich added a goal on an assist from Prugh at 58:28. Caleb Barnhill finished the scoring with a goal at 76:13.

Whitworth outshot Willamette, 21-8 overall and 10-1 in shots on goal. Jeff Srock, who registered the shutout in goal for the Pirates, made one save. Willamette goalie Mark Bennett (Jr., Salt Lake City, UT/West HS) earned four saves.

The Bearcats will play at Whitman College on Sunday, Oct. 19. Kickoff in Walla Walla, Wash., is slated for 2:30 p.m. (PDT).