Saturday’s matchup against Whitman proved to be a defensive struggle, but thanks to Robin Vieira’s goal in the 55th minute, Puget Sound came out on top 1-0 on Peyton Field on Oct. 6.
The Loggers improved to (4-2-2, 2-1-2 NWC) which moved them up to sixth place in conference after starting the season off slowly.
Puget Sound had its opportunities to break the game open in the first half, totaling eight shots on goal compared to Whitman’s five. However, the Missionaries’ keeper Emily Davis (Eagle River, Alaska) made two saves to make the match remain scoreless after 45 minutes.
The Loggers scored the only goal of the match when junior Annie Jonsson (Portland, Ore.) ripped a shot on goal that was deflected by Davis, but Vieira (Seattle, Wash.) was in the box, and kicked in the deflection to break the tie and record her first goal of the season.
The Missionaries attempted to make a push later in the second half when defender Brianna Brown (Vancouver, Wash.) ripped a shot on goal inside the frame in the 69th minute that was rejected by freshman keeper Lauren Thomas (Woodinville, Wash.).
Whitman’s last push came from sophomore midfielder Kelsey Peck (Portland, Ore.) in the waning minutes of the match, but Puget Sound’s stingy defense did not allow another shot on goal.
With the win, the lady Loggers have put themselves in a true position to succeed in the conference.
They need to continue their winning, however, if they want to continue their streak, and hope for some losses from Linfield.
They have 10 more conference games left. They are currently 2-1-2 in the NWC. Linfield is winning with a 5-1 record.
It will be hard, but there is no counting out a team with a NWC championship streak as big as the Loggers have.
They have a perfect opportunity sitting in fourth this weekend to really jump up in the standings board.
This weekend they are playing Lewis and Clark, which is ranked number two. If they can win this game they can hurt Lewis and Clark’s chances to keep that standing. They then play Pacific, which is just behind them in the rankings.
They need to take this opportunity to really separate themselves from the rest of the pack and make it a competition between themselves and Linfield.
Both games this weekend are at home, one at noon on Saturday and one at noon on Sunday. Come support the team so they can continue their past success.
They need the help and encouragement as they gain momentum for their continuing NWC schedule.
This season is not over yet and the team needs the support more than ever before.
