FOREST GROVE, Ore. – The Corban University Women's Soccer team secured its first victory of the 2026 campaign on Friday afternoon, defeating NCAA DIII Pacific University by a 1-0 final at Hanson Stadium. A first-half goal from freshman midfielder Haley Miersma proved to be the difference as the Warriors controlled key stretches of play and received another strong performance from redshirt sophomore goalkeeper Jordyn Labajo to earn the road victory.
"A win is always a welcome sight," Corban head coach Tim Kagey shared. "We still have a lot of work to do, but this is a fun group to lead, and we're excited to keep getting better. A short turnaround for us, so our focus is already on the next one."
Corban wasted little time generating attacking opportunities, forcing Pacific goalkeeper Isabella Duckworth into save opportunities. The Warriors nearly opened the scoring in the fourth minute when sophomore forward Kate Dickson earned a penalty kick try, but Duckworth came up with a save to keep the match scoreless. Despite the missed opportunity, Corban continued to apply pressure and remained the more dangerous side throughout the opening half.
The breakthrough arrived in the 22nd minute when senior midfielder Olivia Fitzpatrick delivered a pass into the attacking third that found Miersma, who capitalized on the chance for what would stand as the game-winning goal. The tally marked Corban's first goal of the 2026 season and gave the Navy and Gold a deserved 1-0 advantage.
Pacific attempted to respond with increased pressure throughout the remainder of the first half and into the second, but the Warrior defense remained composed. Labajo turned away a pair of first-half shots before making two additional saves after halftime to preserve the shutout. The hosts generated 10 corner kicks and nine total shots, but Corban consistently limited quality chances and protected its slim lead.
The Warriors nearly added insurance in the second half, with Dickson registering multiple opportunities, including a dangerous effort in the 71st minute that forced a save from Pacific's second-half goalkeeper. Corban finished with 10 total shots and five shots on goal while maintaining offensive pressure throughout all 90 minutes.
Miersma paced the Corban attack with the match's lone goal on two shots, while Fitzpatrick contributed the game-winning assist and placed one shot on frame. Dickson led all Warriors with four shots and two shots on goal, creating several of Corban's most dangerous scoring chances. Junior defender Bailey Krause also recorded a shot on goal as five different Warriors helped fuel the offensive effort.
Defensively, Labajo earned her first shutout in a Warrior uniform, stopping four Pacific shots on target. The Corban back line stood tall under sustained pressure, especially on set pieces, helping secure the program's first clean sheet of the season.
Notable Statistics
- Corban earned its first win of the 2026 season and improved to 1-1-0 overall.
- Miersma scored her first goal of the year, the first of her young career, and the Warriors' first overall goal of the 2026 campaign.
- Labajo recorded her first shutout as a Warrior after posting four saves.
- The Navy and Gold outshot Pacific 10-9 and held a 5-4 advantage in shots on goal.
- Corban converted the match's only goal despite facing 10 Pacific corner kicks.
With the victory, Corban improves to 1-1-0 on the young season and carries valuable momentum into its next nonconference contest. The Warriors will return to action on Sunday at 7pm on the road at another NCAA DIII member in George Fox University (0-0-0), looking to build upon Friday's strong defensive effort and secure back-to-back victories.
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