WALLA WALLA, Wash. – A non-existent offensive scheme from the Corban University Women's Soccer team resulted in their most lopsided losing decision in nearly a year, as they fell 5-0 on the road to NCAA DIII Whitman College in a forgettable performance for both the Warriors' offense and defense this afternoon in southeastern Washington.
"Definitely not the result we wanted today, but we will fail forward today and keep learning," Warriors' head coach Travez Whyte explained. "Today, we were given opportunities to grow mentally tougher, which is huge for being the best we can be. Conference play starts soon, so we are excited to show what we've been learning. As always, huge thanks to our traveling Warriors who came to support us!"
An uncharacteristic first half for the Warriors (3-2-1) on the both the offensive and defensive halves of the field resulted in three goals scored by the Blues (3-1-0), the first of which came on a rocket shot into the upper lefthand corner of the goal by defender Ella Johnson. Midfielder Erisa Baba clinched a brace right before the halftime horn on back-to-back crosses, the first from defender Gracia Larson and the second by defender Kareena Mathew.
Corban was outshot 7-1 in the opening half, as each possession down the field was thwarted by Whitman's defensive presence and only a handful of scoring opportunities even presented themselves for the Navy and Gold. A discombobulated Warrior attacking core managed just a single shot by junior midfielder Abril Dimas Camacho through the opening forty-five minutes of play, with numerous chances immediately falling flat and resulting in breakaway possessions for the Blues.
An incredibly rough start bled into the second half for the Warriors, as midfielder Leah Barnes and Johnson added another pair of goals to stretch the Blues' lead to 5-0, the eventual final score of today's contest. Corban managed just two more shots the rest of the afternoon, one from senior defender Adilynn Brotnov and one by freshman forward Leah Valentine.
Each of Corban's two goalkeepers saw action this afternoon, as sophomore Ava Hayes earned the start and surrendered three goals with a single save, while redshirt junior Catriona Burns allowed two goals and had three saves.
Both Johnson and Baba netted braces for the hometown team in their blowout victory over the Warriors, with midfielder Ellie Cortes-Muniz securing two of the Blues' six assists on the day. Goalkeeper Lindsey Pasena-Littlesky earned a portion of the shutout victory for Whitman with a single save during the first half, while goalkeeper Seanee Still concluded the match with a pair of saves during her second half showing.
With the non-conference schedule now officially over, the Corban women's soccer team can now focus on the beginning of Cascade Collegiate Conference play, which begins next weekend on the road in Eugene against I-5 rival Bushnell University (2-4-0).
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