WALLA WALLA, Wash. – Whitman College came out on fire for its Northwest Conference game Saturday afternoon against Willamette University. After five corners in three minutes, Alissa Soo scored in the tenth minute, putting the Missionaries in front 1-0 early. The goal would later prove to be the difference, as Whitman's stifling defense stymied the Bearcats throughout the match.
 
The intensity that the Missionaries brought to the field was unmatched by their opponent. Whitman (2-9-5, 2-5-5 NWC) dominated possession early, keeping the Bearcat defense on its heels and with a one-goal lead, it was clear the Whitties were not going to allow a momentum swing. Whitman pressured Willamette (6-8-1, 6-5 NWC) both offensively and defensively and the Bearcats did not have an answer.
 
Whitman started the game with a spark from its offense. The Missionaries took control to open the game and were granted their first of five corners just one minute into the game. Whitman had two shots on goal five minutes into the game. Soo's first shot was saved by Willamette's goalkeeper Emily Sewall, but at the 10:20 mark Soo's second attempt connected. After receiving the ball from Clara Merlino, Soo fired a shot past Sewall giving the Missionaries an early 1-0 lead.
 
In the 41st minute, Whitman's Naomi Lee delivered a shot that nearly widened the Whitman lead, but the ball ricocheted off the crossbar and out of bounds. After taking nine shots over the first 45 minutes, Whitman held a 1-0 lead entering the break. Missionary goalkeeper, Haley Case collected four saves in the half as the Whitman defense silenced the Bearcats.
 
Whitman's defense continued to play solid throughout the remainder of the game, holding Willamette without a shot on goal in the second half. Whitman outshot the Bearcats seven to five in the half and 16-10 overall. The Missionary defense did not allow a corner in the second half, and only one over the course of the whole game.
 
Whitman's Danielle Audino nearly extended the Missionary lead in the 69th minute, but her shot, like Lee's, fired off the crossbar. Willamette was unable to contain the Whitman attack, as the Missionaries continued to pressure the Bearcats' defense late into the game. Senior Kelsey Peck took a shot that was saved in the 81st by Sewall, but Soo's early goal proved to be the difference in a 1-0 victory for Whitman.