WALLA WALLA, Wash. — Nana Tanikawa scored in the 26th minute and the Whitman College women's soccer team held off a determined second-half push from crosstown rival Walla Walla University for a 1-0 victory Wednesday night at James Hayner Field.
Tanikawa finished a setup from Emma Foley at the 25:13 mark, providing the game's lone and her first career goal as the Blues improved to 1-1-1. Walla Walla fell to 0-1-0.
Whitman controlled much of the first half, outshooting the Wolves 10-4 and earning all five of its first-half corner kicks. Allanah Rodriguez kept Walla Walla within striking distance, recording five saves before halftime.
The Blues finally broke through after Foley entered as a substitute in the 24th minute. Less than two minutes later, Foley found Tanikawa and a 1-0 Whitman lead.
Walla Walla grew into the match after the break and created several late chances to equalize. The Wolves outshot Whitman 8-6 in the second half and put four attempts on goal, including three in a five-minute stretch beginning in the 73rd minute.
Emerson Hammer denied Anacel Valenzuela-Acosta in the 74th minute, then turned aside attempts by Anahi Mora and Bri Vidali-Rood later in the half. Mora led the Wolves with five shots and three on target.
Whitman goalkeeper Lindsey Pasena-Littlesky earned the victory after playing the opening 29:23. Alyssa Murakami made one save in relief, while Hammer stopped all four shots she faced over the final 29:38 to preserve the shutout.
Whitman finished with an 18-10 advantage in shots, an 8-5 edge in shots on goal and a 7-3 margin in corner kicks. Rodriguez made seven saves for the Wolves.
Whitman closes out non-conference play on Friday against the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m.
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