WALLA WALLA, Wash. - The Whitman College women's soccer team braved turbulent weather and a determined Willamette University squad to carve out a hard-fought 1-0 victory in Northwest Conference action on Saturday afternoon at James Hayner Field.

"What a fantastic first win in Northwest Conference play," said coach Michelle Voiland. "I am so happy to see our players get rewarded for their hard work and persistent positive attitudes. The team started very strong today and dominated the ball. It was great to see Kiki get on the scoreboard off an excellent Emma Foley corner and I really enjoyed how the team finished off the game in the rainy conditions. A great team win.

From kickoff, both teams approached cautiously, trading possession and limiting real danger in front of goal. Whitman registered two shots in the first half, both on target, but found Willamette goalkeeper Siera Edwards up to the challenge. The Bearcats managed only one shot, failing to seriously test Whitman's defense anchored, in part, by Ellie Cortes-Muniz and keeper Eleanor Johnson.

As the second half began, ominous gray clouds released a steady rain and the wind whipped across the field—conditions that seemed to energize the Blues. Whitman began pressing higher and found attacking lanes, boosting their shot count to nine after the break.

The match's pivotal moment arrived in the 59th minute. After winning a corner kick, Emma Foley delivered a pinpoint ball into the box, where Kiki Glorioso timed her leap perfectly and headed it past Edwards for her first goal of the season. The set piece, executed with precision despite the blustery conditions, was the culmination of Whitman's growing offensive pressure.

Willamette sought to respond, but Blues goalkeeper Seanee Still replaced Johnson for the second half and proved steady, recording a vital save late to preserve the clean sheet. Whitman's back line, bolstered by strong performances from Glorioso and Alex McKean, limited the Bearcats to four total shots and just one on target in the match.

The win lifts Whitman to a 2-1-3 overall record and 1-0-1 in the NWC, giving the Blues valuable momentum heading into this week's Wednesday matchup at Whitworth.
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