Sept. 13, 2012

Box Score

MONMOUTH, Ore. - Head coach Travis Connell tied the school record for career wins as Western Washington University defeated Western Oregon University, 2-0, in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference women's soccer opener for both schools Thursday afternoon.

It was the fourth straight shutout victory for the Vikings, who are 4-1-0. WOU fell to 2-3-0 with its second consecutive loss.

"This was a hard win for us against a very tough team," said Connell. "I am very proud of how the players were able to grind out another victory on a very hot day. We played well and continue to put our best foot forward."

It was the 105th victory of Connell's 10-year career. That tied him with Dominic Garguile, who coached at WWU from 1981to 1990.

"I've enjoyed getting to know Dominic over the years," Connell said. "He accomplished so much during his time here and I feel very honored to be in the same company."

WWU took a 1-0 lead in the 33rd minute when Delanee Nilles (Fr., Poulsbo/North Kitsap) headed in a cross from Taylor Abrass (So., Mercer Island).

The Vikings' other goal came in the 55th minute. Catherine Miles (Fr., Anacortes) beat her defender and got to the end line where she crossed to Kristin Maris (Jr., Issaquah), who found the right corner. Stephanie Hamilton (Fr., Orting/Bellarmine Prep) also was credited with an assist.

"We are tough defensively," Connell said. "Today, because of an injury, Chelsea Jackson (Fr., Surrey, BC/Fraser Heights Secondary) got her first start at center back and played very well, and Kamilla Deeb (So., Ogden, UT/Bonneville) made a goal-saving tackle in the first half.

WWU goalkeeper Jamie Arthurs (Sr., Richland) made three saves in notching her 27th career shutout. She is just four shy of the school record.

WWU is at Saint Martin's on Saturday (3:30 p.m.) for a GNAC contest.

Western Washington vs. Western OregonDate: 09/13/12   Attendance: 107Goals by Period     1   2    TotalWestern Washington  1   1 ---  2Western Oregon      0   0 ---  0SCORING SUMMARY:WWU - Nilles (Abrass), 32:25WWU - Maris (Hamilton, Miles), 54:23Shots: Western Washington 16, WOU 11Corner kicks: Western Washington 5, WOU 4Fouls: Western Washington 12, WOU 0Saves: Western Washington 3 (Arthurs 3), WOU 6 (Lutz 6)