The Whitman women’s soccer team (10-9, 6-9 NWC) hosted its last series of home games this weekend, Nov. 2 and 3, against the Lewis & Clark College Pioneers (9-7-1, 6-6-1 NWC) and the Willamette University Bearcats (4-11-3, 2-9-3 NWC). Saturday’s game against the Pioneers proved to be a thriller as the Missionaries pulled through with a come from behind victory, winning 2-1.
After an early Lewis & Clark goal in the eighth minute of the game, the Missionaries responded with two goals of their own, one in the 12th minute and the other in the 83rd minute. The first goal to tie the game was scored by senior forward Kelsey Roehner off of an assist by Lena de Guzman, a first-year defender. De Guzman swiftly passed the ball to Roehner from atop the 18-yard box and perfectly set up Roehner for the goal. This gave Roehner three goals for the season in total.
It was not until seven minutes left on the clock that the Missionaries were able to power through and score the game-winning goal. After a clearance kick by Lewis & Clark’s goalkeeper was deflected, Jade Anderson, a junior midfielder, kicked the ball past the goalkeeper and scored as the crowd erupted with cheers. The Missionary offense proved very successful against the Pioneers as they had 15 shots, five being shots on goal.
Though the Missionaries prospered on the offensive side, the defense also contributed to the Missionary success, allowing Lewis & Clark only eight shot attempts, with four being shots on goal.
Looking to cap off a great weekend, the Missionaries faced Willamette University on senior day. The seven seniors were honored in a winning-fashion with a 1-0 victory. Both the Missionary offense and defense were aggressive and alert in the combined team victory.
Anderson proved spectacular yet again as she headed in the lone Missionary goal in the ninth minute of the game. Kelsey Peck, a sophomore midfielder, was credited with the assist as her corner kick led to Anderson’s goal. Anderson scored her first goals of the year this weekend, bringing her to two for the year.
Overall, the Missionary offense was very active as they combined for a total of 17 shots, seven of them being shots on goal. On the defensive end, the Missionaries were very successful in shutting down the Bearcats offense. Willamette was limited to five shots, with three being shots on goal.
In the last few minutes of the game, Willamette had several chances to tie the game, but the Missionaries showed no mercy as they consistently stopped the Bearcat attack. Senior goalkeeper Emily Davis completed a solid weekend with a shutout, including three saves. This puts Davis at 41 saves and four shutouts this season.
The Missionaries look to finish off the regular season against George Fox in Newberg, Oregon this Friday, Nov. 8.
