Women's Soccer | 9/18/2008 1:28:56 AM
Box Score MONMOUTH, Ore. - The Western Oregon University women's soccer team (3-5) dropped its Great Northwest Athletic Conference opener 2-0, to Western Washington (5-2), Thursday, Sept. 18, at the WOU Soccer Field.
The Wolves were able to withstand the offensive prowess of the Vikings to stay within striking distance until the game's final minutes despite being outshot 25-8.
Western Washington took the lead in the 19th minute as Claire Morgan scored a shot from the top of the penalty box on an assist from Molly Shannon. WOU took the ball and immediately had a chance to score as freshman Melinda Ingalls weaved her way through the defense's right side to create space for a shot that sailed just left of the goal. Kristie Adkins had the other scoring opportunity of the half as she received a pass in traffic and immediately turned and fired a one-timer that was snagged by WWU goalkeeper Kylie Broadbent.
The Wolves remained in the game until the 69th minute of the second period when the Vikings collected their second goal on a shot from Shannon off a corner kick. Western Oregon continued to pressure and execute throughout the remainder of the game but could not get a goal past the Viking's goalkeeper
Brittney Rigtrup registered a career-high 13 saves in the loss while Jessica Hicks posted two of the Wolves' four shots on goal.
"It is going to be a very strong conference this season," said head coach Rod Fretz. "We have already played two teams from the California Collegiate Athletic Association and this is by far the best team we have seen all year. They are playing very well right now and not allowing teams to make adjustments against them."
"We were able to take a different defensive approach in preparation for this game," said Fretz. "We were able to slow down a very good offensive team with our new defensive approach and we will carry this over to our game against Saint Martin's."
The Western Oregon women's soccer will continue its season Thursday Sept. 25, at 3:00 p.m., as it faces Saint Martin's in Lacey, Wash.
