BELLINGHAM, Wash. (Nov. 10) – In their first ever NCAA Division II West Regional match, Whitney Lowe and the Central Washington University soccer team notched a 2-1 victory over Seattle Pacific University.
The Falcons and Wildcats are no strangers to each other. The two sides had faced off three times prior before today's meeting with each team winning once, with one draw.
The Wildcats struck first in the ninth minute. Lowe dribbled in from 40-yards out and fired a shot near post on SPU goalkeeper Molly Stinson, beating the Falcons' keeper and giving Central a 1-0 advantage.
Central Washington kept the pressure on and forced the Falcons to play out of their own third for a large portion of the first half.
Lowe didn't waste any time finding the back of the net in the second half, beating Stinson again in the 52nd minute. Stinson attempted to clear her lines, but a miskicked effort allowed Lowe to head a shot past the keeper.
"Whitney is one of the most dangerous players in the conference," CWU Head Coach Mike Farrand noted. She has struggled a bit here and there, but she found her self in an important position and she finished twice. She was able to get some love back and some confidence. Definitely our player of the match."
The Falcons generated a firm response just five minutes later. Hannah Huesers slotted her 48th goal of her career in the 61st minute, cutting the Wildcats' lead to 2-1.
"SPU is a dangerous team and we experience it during the semi finals of the GNAC tournament in Burnaby where we let up a bit and found ourselves down 1-0," Farrand said of the Falcons' offensive prowess. "I thought we responded well, especially after we gave up the goal and were able to play more effectively on the way out against a great team"
Central Washington finished the match with a 2:1 shot advantage, totaling 15 shots to Seattle Pacific's seven. The Wildcats recorded six corners to the Falcons' two.
"I think if you look at any team that hasn't been here that first game you win as a program is huge for confidence and what happens next," Farrand said afterward. "We scored two big goals against SPU and it's a huge accomplishment for our program and girls."
Lowe matched her goal total from the regular season in just one game.
"It was definitely a good experience." Lowe said after the match. I'm proud of everyone and how we pulled through together. It's extremely rewarding. We have worked so hard to get here and it is such a thrill to be able to pick up a win like that, especially with this group of girls.
Freshman keeper Emily Holt recorded four saves en route to the victory.
The Wildcats take on No. 1 Western Washington on Saturday (Nov. 12) at 1 p.m. on Harrington Field in Bellingham, Wash.
