Thursday, December 3, 2015

PORTLAND, Ore. – In a fast-paced, offensive minded match, the Western Washington women’s soccer team fell a goal short in a 3-2 loss to Grand Valley State in the semifinals of the NCAA Division II Women’s Soccer Championships in Pensacola, Fla.

No. 1 ranked Grand Valley State came out of the gates flying, scoring two goals in the first nine minutes of the match. The Vikings settled in after, however, possessing the ball and putting up quality scoring chances. After a frustrating 40 minutes with nothing to show on the scoreboard, Becca Cates sent a corner kick from the left side across the face of the net to Delanee Nilles, who stepped up from her defensive position to header the ball in the net. The goal gave the Vikings life entering halftime, trailing by just a goal with 45 minutes of play remaining.

The Lakers’ quick strike ability was the story of the match, however, opening the second half at full throttle, netting the third and eventual game-winning goal in just 33 seconds. The Lakers’ Jayma Martin found an open lane in front of the net and took a crosser from Kendra Stauffer and buried it past a diving Ashley Haden.

Despite falling behind by two goals once again, the Vikings did not concede the match. The team put on a full out attack against the Lakers, pressuring on every loose ball opportunity and driving to pull the match within one goal. In the 75th minute, Gabriela Pelogi chased a pass down the left side, beat a defender to the inside and sent a shot that skipped up and over the GVSU goalkeeper to make the score 3-2. Once again, the Vikings showed resiliency to give themselves a chance in the final minutes.

The Vikings continued the offensive pressure, but Grand Valley State was able to weather the storm and hold onto the 3-2 victory. Western Washington and Grand Valley State were even in shots for the match, with 10 apiece. The Vikings held an advantage, 6-2, in corner kicks. Haden made four saves for Western Washington.

Western Washington ends the season with a 21-2-1 record, which included a GNAC and West Region championship and saw a 20-match unbeaten streak snapped. The Vikings were undefeated in conference play and on their home field, where they boasted a 12-0-0 record. The senior class brought the team to four-straight national tournaments and two national semifinal appearances.