Women's Soccer | 10/16/2010 6:20:30 PM

Box Score [Box score]

MONMOUTH, Ore. – Despite playing without key players LaChante Horton (forward) and Rachelle Kliewer (midfielder) due to injuries, Western Oregon (2-11-0, 1-8-0 GNAC) gave Western Washington (9-2-2, 6-2-1 GNAC), the third ranked team in the conference, a run for their money. But in the end, the Vikings edged the Wolves 1-0.

Western Washington scored a lone goal during the game at the 28th minute. The play started from a WWU corner kick where the ball landed in a mosh-pit of players. Anna Geldenhuys assisted Molly Shannon who had the finishing touch at the WOU goal line.

Shannon, a forward, is ranked seventh for GNAC points per game. Other big contenders facing the Wolves were Claire Morgan, also a forward, who leads the GNAC shots category and ties with her teammate Shannon, for sixth place in GNAC goals scored. Lastly, WWU goalie, Jamie Arthurs, is No. 1 in GNAC save percentages and shutouts.

“We don't get intimated by a team like this” asserted Western Oregon's Head Coach, Rod Fretz. “We can compete with anybody and this game proved it.”

Coach Fretz was especially proud of the way the Wolves' defensive line played. Naomi Shimabuku, Rebecca Hoiland, Danielle Hayward, and Monique Thees 'worked as a unit' fending off the Vikings and creating a competitive game.

WOU goal keeper Brittney Rigtrup was a fortress, as she matched a career-high by blocking 10 WWU shots. Rigtrup is ranked third in the GNAC with 39 saves. Marina Austin had four shots during the game and is now second in GNAC shots with 32 taken.

The Wolves will travel to neighboring state Nampa, Idaho to compete against Northwest Nazarene on Thursday, Oct. 21 at 1:00 p.m. The Wolves lead the all-time series over the Crusaders 19-6-2.