The Whitman women’s soccer team put forth a strong effort against Whitworth University Friday, Sept. 13 at the Whitman soccer complex, defeating the Pirates 2-0 in front of a large and enthusiastic home crowd.

Whitman’s first goal came early in the first half when senior midfielder Hallie Swan fired a shot at the Whitworth goalkeeper. The keeper blocked the shot but didn’t maintain possession of the ball, allowing sophomore midfielder Clara Merlino to run onto the loose ball and slide a shot past the keeper.

Senior midfielder Mackenzie Hughes then put the game away late in the second half with a spectacular free kick from over 30 yards, which she placed in the upper-left corner of the Whitworth goal.

Whitman controlled the pace of the game as the team’s defense shut down almost all of Whitworth’s counterattacks. The visiting team managed only four shots total that night. Meanwhile, the Whitman offense piled the pressure on the Whitworth defense, producing 19 shots.

So far this season, Whitman has been dominant offensively as they outrank their opposition 90-22 in overall shots.

Whitman’s defense has been solid as well, posting four shutouts and only allowing one goal.

This win pushes the women’s team up to 5-0 for the season, which already matches their win total from last season and matches the team’s previous best start in 2002.

However, the team does not get a break after their win, as they play Whitworth in Spokane on Sept. 15.