FOREST GROVE, Ore. – Reese Owens scored a goal and assisted on another in a five-minute span early in the second half to lead the Whitman College men's soccer team to a 3-0 win over Pacific in Northwest Conference opening action Friday at Hanson Stadium.
 
Whitman (2-3, 1-0 NWC) had an 11-5 advantage in shots with three different goal scorers. Matt Reich along with teammate Jack Fillipponi each had a save in the shutout.
 
Owens was subbed in at the half and immediately made his presence felt. He ripped a shot off the post that Jacob Barsher pounced on to put the Blues up a goal in the 51^st minute. Owens struck again, this time the beneficiary of a through ball from David Chavarin who had stolen the ball to gain possession.
 
Pacific (1-3-1, 0-1 NWC) regrouped and nearly got on the scoreboard in the 57^th minute when a Braden Kojima shot sailed high and a shot by Grant Rutledge in the 67^th minute was saved by Reich.  

Peter Stephens put the result to rest in the 71^st minute. Oscar Harding delivered a service from about 40 yards out which Stephens handled and shot past Boxer keeper Brock Jones.
 
Jones played a full 90 minutes of action, allowing three saves along with the three goals.
 
The Blues remain on the road for more conference action, visiting George Fox this Sunday, Sept. 16 for a 2:30 p.m. kickoff.