WALLA WALLA, Wash. – The team’s leading goal scorers thus far this year showed up in style today for the Corban University Women’s Soccer team, as a pair of upper classmen scored two goals while allowing only one in a 2-1 victory over previously undefeated NCAA DIII Whitman College. The Warriors will enter conference play with an even 2-2-2 overall record following a roller coaster of a start to their 2023 season.
“It’s great heading home after a weekend of success,” Warriors’ head coach Travez Whyte stated. “Today, our ladies wrapped up the non-conference slate honing what we’ve been working as it relates to our mentality and style of play. We really appreciate the experience Whitman provided for us at this Invitational. Great job, ladies, and way to work hard for each other and for the glory of God!”
Junior midfielder Alysia Alvarado scored her third-straight goal for the Warriors not even eleven minutes into today’s contest, as a deep cross from midfield by junior defender Josie Brence bounced once in the penalty box and provided Alvarado with a diving header attempt, which sailed by the Blues’ goalkeeper to give the Warriors an early 1-0 lead.
Despite multiple opportunities, both Corban and Whitman (1-1-2) would go scoreless for the remainder of the opening half, with the Warriors outshooting the Blues 9-4 and maintaining possession a majority of the period.
The only Whitman goal of the contest was a happy-go-lucky instance for defender Garcia Larson, who sprinted in front of Corban senior goalkeeper Makida Herbert as she was set to clear the ball from the box, which bounced off the head of Larson and into the netting to tie this match in the 60th minute.
However, the Navy and Gold refused to leave Washington without a win under their belts, as the hero of today’s match arrived just before the end of the 80th minute in the form of senior forward Fatima Jimenez. Junior forward Kelli Huskic found Jimenez sprinting up the middle of the field and forced a pass directly between the defenders, allowing Jimenez to juke the first and break the second’s ankles on her way to a one-vs-one with goalkeeper Emily Badgley. As Badgley pursued, Jimenez took one last dribble to move around her target and send the ball into the bottom right corner of the net.
Jimenez’ third goal of the year would prove to be the game-winner for the Warriors, as Herbert picked up her second win on the season with three saves in-between the posts for Coach Whyte. Alvarado, freshman midfielder Ella Alvarez, and sophomore forward Carley Diaz all recorded three shots this afternoon, with all of Diaz’ opportunities coming on goal.
Blues’ midfielder Milly Beaulieu was the lone Whitman player with three shots today, with two of those shots being saved by Herbert. The host school logged only four shots on goal over the 90 minutes played, despite holding a 3-1 edge in corner kicks.
The Cascade Collegiate Conference schedule officially gets underway for the 2023 season this upcoming weekend, where the Warriors will host I-5 rival Bushnell University (1-2) at the Outdoor Athletic Complex at 7pm PT.
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