Urvashi Lalwani | Staff Writer
After a scoreless draw Sunday, Sept. 19 against the University of Puget Sound, the women’s soccer team made a strong comeback to beat Whitman 2-0 on Wednesday, Sept. 22.
This was the Pirates’ first win of the season in the Northwest Conference in their second of three games this week.
“Really good response from the ladies on our team – it is really hard to step in and play three games in one week. These midweek games can really be a grind, so I am very proud of our group and the hard work that they continue to put in every day. The hard work that they showed up with today was really massive for us,” head coach Bryan Olson said.
Junior Laura Pierson scored a goal in the 16th minute and senior Ireland Eaton scored one in the 42nd minute, both in the first half of the game.
“We really wanted to narrow our focus to simply what’s under our control, what we have to offer today…what encouragement and words each of us can bring. [We] talked about simple things and doing them in the best way possible. That’s all that’s needed,” Olson said.
Kate Nelson had tremendous contributions in tonight’s win as she successfully blocked all 7 of the Blues’ shots on goal.
“As I think back on Kate Nelson, our goalkeeper, [we] just loved the presence that she’s been within our group. She came up really big today in some crucial times and did her job when called upon, did some beautiful saves and kept Whitman off the scoreboards. [We’re] really thankful for her,” Olson said.
Whitworth hosts Willamette University in their next game this Sunday, Sept. 26 at 12pm at the Whitworth Soccer Field.
