MONMOUTH, Ore. – Makana Pundyke scored two goals to establish a 2-1 comeback win for Western Oregon soccer on Saturday against Central Washington.
 
At halftime, the Wolves (5-3-1, 1-2-1 GNAC) stood down a goal due to a shot from Wildcats' (3-6, 1-3 GNAC) Cassie Ripley. The second half was a whole new game as Pundyke finished both of her goals off of set plays, with her first occurring in the 57th minute and the other just seven minutes later in the 64th.
 
Central Washington first took the lead in the 20th minute as Keilin Farrand sent a through ball behind the defense for Ripley to pick up and place toward the bottom left post of the goal.
 
The Wolves created several opportunities for themselves throughout the first half. Dani Payne had an early chance as she received a corner kick from Taylor Higa and headed the ball just wide right of the goal.
 
Mariah Konyn also sent a through ball over the Wildcats' defense for Pundyke to run onto it. Pundyke was left alone against Central Washington's goalkeeper Amanda White, but White came out in time to pick the ball up. Several through balls were sent over the Wildcats' defense, but the Wolves could not get a firm grasp of the ball to finish.
 
Goalkeeper Lindsey Mabinuori prevented the Wildcats from sneaking in a couple more shots as she picked up a few balls that were crossed into the 18-yard box. Overall, Mabinuori made a total of five saves throughout the game.
 
Western Oregon came out in the second half with a new mindset and more energy. Within the first three minutes, Taylor Higa had an opportunity just outside the 18-yard box, where she blasted the ball to the wide left.
 
Shortly after, Central Washington was down on the other end, and Abby Litka almost scored a header goal, but her shot was high.
 
The Wolves' first goal began with a free kick from Brooke Steinberg near the 18-yard box and the sideline. After some scrambling with a header from Dana Goularte that bounced off the crossbar and a touch from Kealakekua Makekau, it was Pundyke who would eventually finalize the execution.
 
As Western Oregon had the momentum of the game, they claimed the lead after Makekau took a corner kick for Goularte to get a touch on and for Pundyke to volley into the back of the net.
 
Central Washington had several offensive opportunities, including 16 shots and 10 corner kicks. Despite the Wildcats' high pressure and a couple close chances, the Wolves' defense was able to hold the 2-1 lead until the final whistle.
 
Pundyke now leads the team in goals with five. She took the most shots today for the Wolves with five and three on goal. Dacia Alexander also took three shots, while Higa, Payne, and Goularte each had two. Western Oregon had a total of 15 shots for the match.
 
Next up for the Wolves, Concordia will make the trip to Monmouth on Tuesday, October 6.