ELLENSBURG, Wash (Oct. 29) – The Central Washington University women's soccer team defeated Concordia University, 1-0, on a cold, breezy afternoon to keep its playoff flame burning.

The Wildcats are now level with Montana State University Billings in the final playoff spot as both teams have earned 16 points. The Wildcats will travel to Billings, Montana this Saturday in what will be a potential play-in game.

The Wildcats outshot the Cavaliers 22-6, limiting the visitors to just one shot in the second half.

"Meghan Ward had a tremendous half for us," Head coach Michael Farrand said. "Allie Bohnett to me is the best outside back in the conference. She doesn't get beat. Abbie Litka and Jessica Haga played well in the middle and Karlee Goehner played well and finished the game."

The Wildcats spend the bulk of the first half in the Cavaliers defense third. Playing possession soccer, the Wildcats mustered 12 shots in the opening 45 minutes. The first scoring opportunity occurred in the 12^th minute when Kaysha Darcy ripped a shot off the cross bar. Mackenzie Nolte found a post in the 43^rd minute with ball careening away to safety.

"We got to the final third a lot," Farrand said. "We had a lot of pressure and it's a lot easier playing in there half instead of our half. The girls offensively have clicked a little bit more and play more efficiently in the attacking third."

Nolte put the Wildcats on top in the 69^th minute.  Whitney Lowe played a through ball behind the Cavaliers' back line that Nolte gathered and beat the keeper low.

"First off, Whitney's ball was perfect," Notle said. "I love playing with her because she can find me on those balls, she knows exactly where I like it. I knew I needed to hit it near post and I was hoping it made it in. I'm so thankful we had that and the defense did an amazing job keeping the lead."

Notle's goal was her fourth of the season.

"In this game it's important to understand we had to make adjustments," Farrand said. "We have had 11 different girls that have scored goals this year and were about as well balanced as we've ever been. It's been a great team effort from the back line to the front and the middle."

The Wildcats will battle MSUB Saturday (Oct. 31). Kickoff is set for 12 p.m. (MST). Follow the game with live stats at Wildcatsports.com
"We got one more to go," Farrand added. "We put ourselves in this position and it's up to us to decide what happens next. We have to go to Billings and play a great game."