MONMOUTH, Ore. – It was a battle throughout the day as the Western Oregon University soccer team stayed right with No. 10 Northwest Nazarene on Senior Day Saturday. The Nighthawks tallied a late goal in the first half and added one more in the second half to take the 2-0 victory in a game that was played on the WOU Intramural Turf Field for the second time this season. Seniors Alyssa Tomasini, Alexie Morris and Melinda Ortega were honored after the game.

WOU (1-6) made things difficult throughout the game for NNU (11-0) as the Wolves came out aggressive and looking to attack early. The Wolves just missed on a few passes before generating their first shot in the 12^th minute by Tomasini that was blocked.

Following shots by Piper Matson and Hannah Rispler, a near chance was just stopped at the goal line. On a ball served into the box, it bounced loose and Matson was nearly able to knock it home. The ball was rolling near the goal line before Alexis Montoya was able to scramble back and secure the ball just before it crossed.

The teams continued to go back-and-forth from there before the only goal of the first half was scored in the 44^th minute. With Rikki Myers bringing the ball in from the right side of the box, she was able to get loose and make a nice pass in the box to Sierra Sanchez who knocked home the goal and a 1-0 lead.

The Nighthawks came out aggressive to start the second half, generating three shots and a corner kick over the first few minutes. Emily Wheeler was able to deny a couple of strong chances for NNU, picking up saves in the 55^th and 58^th minute.

A few minutes after the second save by Wheeler, NNU picked up their second goal of the game when Carolyn Moravec did some nifty footwork along the baseline and found McKenzie Bell in the box in front for the goal in the 62nd minute and a 2-0 lead.

The Wolves had a few more chances down the stretch. Camille Darland just missed on a shot high and then near the 80^th minute, Gabby Pulliam's shot sailed wide and a shot by Fatima Jimenez was blocked.

That ended up being the last shots for either team with NNU taking the victory.

NNU held a 13-6 edge in shots, including 4-0 on goal. Corner kicks were close with the Nighthawks holding the slight 4-3 advantage. Each team picked up a yellow card and WOU ended up with more fouls (13-10).

WOU will close the 2021 spring season this coming Wednesday when they will face Western Washington in a neutral site game in Vancouver, Wash., beginning at 2:30 p.m.