LACEY, Washington --- In the first GNAC game of the season, the 13th-ranked Western Oregon women's soccer team displayed its strength on both offense and defense, earning a 2-0 win against Saint Martin's on Thursday at Saints field. 

WOU's (4-0-1 overall, 1-0 GNAC) defense began the game by applying pressure and limiting the Saint's (2-2-1, 0-1) shots. In the first half, SMU was held to just three shots, all of which were off target.  The Wolves racked up a total of nine shots in the first half. Chloe Smith - who has a team-high four goals - had a chance at a goal in the second minute, but her attempt was saved. Then, in the 20th minute, Olivia Fothergill shot into the bottom right corner but the SMU goalie saved it.

In the second half, the Wolves' attack continued to trouble the Saints. In the 61st minute, WOU earned its first goal of the contest when Lulu Sadler hit  Chloe Smith near the sideline who sent a long pass to Lilly Nowatzke, who found the top of the net.

WSOC | WOU broke the scoreless tie in the 61' when Lulu Sadler hit Chloe Smith who floated a pass out front that Lilly Nowatzke tracked down and put away. pic.twitter.com/P6oCz15rr8

— Western Oregon Wolves Athletics (@WOU_Wolves) September 22, 2023

Less than 90 seconds later (62nd minute), Raeanne Jones scored from a penalty kick (Nowatzke was fouled in the box), putting WOU ahead 2-0. These goals marked the first of the season for Nowatzke and Jones..  

The Wolves' defense played a significant role in the victory, holding SMU to a total of seven shots, with only one on goal (saved by WOU keeper Sophia Pierce). The Wolves have earned three shutouts in five contests this season. WOU finished the game with 15 shots on goal, seven of which on target.  

The Wolves will be back in action on Saturday when they face off against undefeated Northwest Nazarene (3-0-2, 1-0) in Monmouth at the WOU Soccer Field.