SALEM, ORE. -- Whitworth University's Greta Thibodeau earned an assist in the first half and scored the game-winning goal at 72:56, as the Pirates defeated Willamette University, 2-1, in a Northwest Conference game at Sparks Field on Saturday, Sept. 22. Whitworth remained undefeated at 6-0 and improved to 3-0 in the NWC. Willamette fell to 1-4 overall, 0-3 in the NWC.
The Pirates scored the game's first goal 9:11 into the contest. WU goalkeeper Lo Holahan (Jr., Anacortes, WA/Anacortes HS) saved an initial shot by Thibodeau, but couldn't snag the ball. Whitney Ramsey pounced on the rebound near the right post and tapped the ball into the net.
WU recorded an equalizing goal before halftime. Alex Batzer (Fr., MF, Medford,OR/North Medford HS) provided the goal with a quality strike from 15 yards out into the upper right hand corner of the goal. Haley Rosenthal (So., MF, Cheyenne, WY/Cheyenne East HS), who began the scoring play with a corner kick, earned an assist.
The score remained 1-1 until Thibodeau's goal with just over 17 minutes left. She scored on a shot from five yards out and just to the left of the goal. She placed the ball in the far corner of the net past goalie Kelli Gano (Fr., Portland, OR/Cleveland HS), who entered the game for Willamette at halftime.
Whitworth outshot Willamette 23-8 overall, including 11-3 in shots on goal. The Bearcats and the Pirates each achieved three corner kicks.
Krista Dietz made two saves in goal for Whitman. Holahan registered four saves for Willamette, while Gano provided five saves.
WU remains at home on Sunday (Sept. 23), when the Bearcats will take on Whitman College. Kickoff is scheduled for 12 p.m. (PDT). The 'Cats will complete their three-game homestand against Lewis & Clark College on Saturday, Sept. 29, also at 12 p.m. (PDT).
Whitworth University 2, Willamette University 1 - Box Score
