Hungry for some key conference wins, the Whitman women’s soccer team faced Pacific University (6-1-2, 3-1-1 NWC) and Linfield College (8-1, 4-1 NWC) over the weekend.
The Missionaries started off the weekend against the red-hot Pacific Boxers. The windy weather conditions proved difficult as the Missionaries lost their opener with the score of 4-1. Though Whitman controlled most of the game with the ball on offense, Pacific got off to a great start as they scored their first goal six minutes into the first period. Whitman’s great defensive efforts and resilience proved unfruitful as Pacific scored two goals in each period, all on breakaways.
Whitman’s lone goal came from senior midfielder Mackenzie Hughes on an unassisted goal from the top of the 18-yard box.
Looking to bounce back from their Saturday loss, the Missionaries faced the 17th-ranked Linfield Wildcats. The Missionaries pulled out all the weapons from their arsenal and came away with a resounding 2-0 victory. It was a team effort, as both offensive and defensive sides communicated well and executed the game plan from start to finish.
Hughes completed a spectacular weekend after scoring both of Whitman’s goals. Her tenacity and aggressiveness was definitely on display and provided a huge spark for the Missionaries. Her first goal occurred 10 minutes into the first period as she received a pass from senior defender Taylor Thomas and then sped past the goalie for an easy finish. The second goal followed 20 minutes into the second period from a penalty kick after a red card from Linfield’s goalkeeper. This puts Hughes at seven goals for the season, ranked fourth in NWC standings.
Likewise, senior goalkeeper Emily Davis brought out all the stops as she finished the game with a shutout. Davis’ effort, constant vocal presence and motivation proved helpful and contagious. In total, Davis collected three saves, putting her at 20 saves for the season with three shutouts.
The weekend split puts the Missionaries at 7-3, 3-3 in the Conference. Next weekend, the Missionaries are looking to keep this momentum going as they make the journey over the pass to face the University of Puget Sound Loggers and Pacific Lutheran University Lutes in Tacoma, Wash.
