WALLA WALLA, Wash. - The Whitman College women's soccer team faced a daunting early-season task against one of the nation's best in College of Idaho. The Blues gave the Yotes everything they could take, rallying for two Bailey Bell goals in the second half but coming up just short in a 3-2 loss on Sunday at James Hayner Field.
"Today was a great demonstration of the fight and resilience of our players," said head coach Michelle Voiland. "The Yotes are one of the best teams in the country so we learned some hard lessons today. I was happy to see our players dig deep, settle down and fight their way back into the game. We scored two excellent goals in the second half and had the opportunities to get one or two more and change the result. With the character and grit this team possesses, we will continue to build and grow."
Whitman (1-1) trailed by three goals at the half in what looked to be a game that would belong to the Yotes from start to finish. Whitman had other ideas however, picking up the attack in the second half leading to more possession in the attacking third and a handful of chances on goal. Bell scored the first of her two goals - giving her now five on the season - in the 67th minute before cutting the lead to one with a goal just over 10 minutes later.
Both teams had late chances to score but the College of Idaho held on for the win.
Seanee Still and Eleonor Johnson each played a half in net once again. They felt pressure for much of the game and each came up with several fine saves during their 45 minutes of action.
Abbi Roubidoux delivered a hat trick for the Yotes who are currently ranked No. 3 nationally in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and are preseason conference favorites.
Roubidoux's goals all came in the first half in impressive fashion. The first two she penetrated into the penalty area and finished under the crossbar, and the third came off a service from the left flank from Gianna Yslava.Â
Next up for the Blues is an exhibition game against Blue Mountain Community College on Thursday, Sept. 4. Kickoff at Hayner Field is set for 6:30 p.m.
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