BELLINGHAM, Wash. - An early goal from the Vikings and consistent pressure on the Saints' defense were the decisive factors in Western Washington's 4-0 victory over Saint Martin's under the Tuesday night lights.
The nationally ranked Vikings (11-0-0, 7-0-0) struck quickly in the match, with a goal from Karli White, her seventh of the season, just 2:27 minutes in. The Saints (1-10-1, 1-5-1) aimed to equalize the match off a corner kick just 50 seconds later; however, Western Washington managed to clear the ball.
Sara Christensen got the start at keeper for the Saints, and managed to keep the score at 1-0 through the first half by making six saves on 15 shots faced. SMU's first shot came from
Jade Castaneda from the far left wing. Castaneda attempted one more shot in the half, landing on target but saved by Western Washington. The first half came to a close on a
Madison Walker corner kick.
The Saints' defense held firm in the start of the second half, anchored by Christensen who came up with five saves in the first 18 minutes. The Vikings' aggressive pressure earned a goal in the 72nd minute to extend their lead to 2-0. The Saints looked to get on the board with a shot from
Brittany Orlosky and
Gloria Petri in the following minutes; however, each missed wide of the net. The Vikings added two more goals in the closing minutes to secure the 4-0 conference victory.
"Today was tough because we battled and worked to create quality chances but couldn't find the final ball or shot," said head coach
Heather Cato. "Unfortunately, some questionable moments in the second half put the game almost out of reach for us. We have to move on and continue to do the things that we're working and improve thsoe that weren't so we can get ready for Saturday."
Castaneda recorded two shots, including one shot on goal while Orlosky and Petri tallied the final two shots for the Saints. Christensen made 11 saves on 37 shots faced at goalkeeper.
The Saints return home for Senior Day against Seattle Pacific on Saturday, October 14. First touch is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. with live stats and video available at smusaints.com.
