MONMOUTH, Ore. – In the final non-conference match of the year, Western Oregon scored a go-ahead goal late in the first half and added a late insurance tally en route to a 3-1 victory over Oregon Tech at the WOU Soccer Field. With the win, the Wolves improve to 3-2-0, while OIT falls to 2-5-0.
 
Taylor Higa had a hand in the first and last goals, scoring in the ninth minute after freeing from her defender and firing a shot inside the left post for her third goal of the season.
 
After Higa's tally, Oregon Tech found its equalizer six minutes later when Jodie Reoch shook away from the Wolves' back line and floated a shot just under the crossbar. The goal was the first allowed by the Wolves at home this season.
 
The game-winner for WOU came in the 40^th minute when Mariah Konyn connected from 15 yards. Konyn got a crisp pass from Sydney Thomas on the right side and put a shot to the left post.
 
After going into halftime with a one-goal lead, the Wolves fended off good looks from the Owls in the second half, keeping seven shots from OIT away from the goal.
 
Higa added an assist in the 88^th minute feeding a left-side pass to Meli Cortez, who spun off her defender and put the ball in the net from inside the box.
 
Caitlin Kastelic made five stops for WOU in earning her third win of the season.
 
Higa led Western Oregon with seven shots with Cortez (3) and M. Konyn (2) just behind. The Wolves outshot OUT for the match by a 16-13 advantage.
 
Western Oregon hits the road to open Great Northwest Athletic Conference play on Saturday against No. 17 Western Washington at 4 p.m. WOUWolves.com/Live will have links for video and stats coverage from Harrington Field.