MONMOUTH, Ore. – The quick response after an equalizing goal from visiting Northwest Nazarene allowed the Western Oregon women's soccer team to pick up a 2-1 Great Northwest Athletic Conference win Saturday afternoon on WOU Soccer Field.
 
Controlling the majority of the offensive possession in the opening minutes, the Wolves (4-4/1-2 GNAC) were able to breakthrough in the 12^th minute to go up 1-0. After collecting a pass from the middle, Phoebe Hendry fired from inside the 18-yard box on the left side and fired a crisp shot that found its way inside the right post.
 
In the half, the Wolves demonstrated a time of possession advantage by creating seven shots and yielding four. Caitlin Kastelic made one save for WOU, while Danielle Ortiz made three for the Crusaders (2-6/0-3 GNAC) in the period.
 
With the Crusaders looking to even the score by increasing their offensive pressure early on in the second half, the visitors were able to take advantage after WOU was called for a handball inside the box. As Sarah Jenkins fired to the right, the penalty kick found the back of the net to knot the scoreboard at 1-1 in the 63^rd minute.
 
The Wolves were up for the quick response to reclaim the lead just six minutes later. Higa began the break from midfield with a great pass to Meli Cortez. After a few dribbles, Cortez spun around and fed Mariah Konyn, who drove a one-timer high over the head of Ortiz from 20 yards out.
 
Northwest Nazarene continued the offensive pressure, but could not connect on any of the seven shots they offered in the second half while holding a 4-1 corner kick edge.
 
Kastelic earned the win making a second save while Ortiz had four saves in the second half and seven for the match.
 
Going back on the road next week, the Wolves travel to Central Washington to face the Wildcats at 3 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 29 in Ellensburg.