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

Shanna Keil (Jr., F, Danville, CA/San Ramon Valley HS)
Shanna Keil (Jr., F, Danville, CA/San Ramon Valley HS)

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).

Fionn Fortune (Jr., M/F, Alexandria, VA/St. Stephen's & St. Agnes/Hamilton Coll.)


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.