NAMPA, Idaho - Northwest Nazarene women's soccer is playing better than ever this spring, earning their sixth-straight win to open the 2021 season with a 4-0 shutout of Western Oregon on Monday.

The six wins in a row is a new program record win streak for the 23rd-ranked team in the latest United Soccer Coaches national poll. NNU previously had a streak of six games without a loss, but that included a tie. NNU also finishes a perfect 4-0 in their home slate for the season.

The Nighthawks pounced on the Wolves early, as senior Rikki Myers was able to sneak the ball off the keeper's glove and into the corner of the net in the eighth minute, with Kailyn LaBrosse earning the assist. NNU would not add to the lead through the rest of the half, but still dominated possession, holding a 62%-38% advantage and tallying 10 shots (four on goal) to four (two on goal) for WOU.

The shots finally started to break through again in the second half, as the Nighthawks scored three times with tallies in the 62nd, 64th, and 85th minutes. Ashley Parton extended the lead to 2-0 with the opening goal of the second period, and Alejandra Jaramillo made it 3-0 with a beautiful strike from outside the box just two minutes later.

NNU's final goal came near the end of regulation, with Carolyn Moravec finding the back of the net from the left side. McKenzie Buell had quite the day as a distributor, recording all three assists on the second half goals.

The Nighthawks finished with a 22-6 (8-2) advantage in shots and took four corners while not allowing one for the Wolves. NNU ended up with a 58-42 advantage in time of possession.

Myers and Sierra Sanchez both registered five shots on the afternoon, while Moravec and LaBrosse each added three attempts. Alexis Montoya saved both Western Oregon chances that were sent on target. 

Of the five GNAC squads that have played a game this spring, the Nighthawks are having the best season by far at 6-0. Only one other program has a winning record, with Seattle Pacific sitting at 1-0 after playing their first game last Saturday.

With their four home games completed, NNU will now close out the year with five contests on the road. Next up is a road match at Montana State Billings on April 8, followed by a neutral site contest in Billings on April 10 against Carroll College.