MONMOUTH, Ore. – Northwest Nazarene women's soccer scored twice in the second half but could not overcome an early deficit, falling 3-2 to Western Oregon on Thursday agaisnt Western Oregon.
The Nighthawks created chances early, with Attie Jo Westbrook putting a pair of shots on goal in the opening six minutes. Western Oregon struck first, however, as Olivia Boger found the back of the net in the eighth minute to give the Wolves a 1-0 advantage.
Boger added her second goal of the match in the 33rd minute to double the Western Oregon lead. NNU continued to pressure the Wolves with Jadalynn Ramos putting two late first-half attempts on goal, but Western Oregon carried a 2-0 advantage into the break.
The Nighthawks wasted little time cutting into the deficit after halftime. Just over a minute into the second half, Ramos found Natalie Fish, who scored to pull NNU within one at 2-1.
Western Oregon answered in the 55th minute when Bailey Boyd scored to restore the Wolves' two-goal advantage.
NNU responded again just over 10 minutes later. Fish set up Elliana Kimball for a goal in the 66th minute, bringing the Nighthawks back within one at 3-2.
The Nighthawks continued searching for the equalizer over the final 24 minutes. Lucy Bergford put an attempt on goal in the 84th minute, but Western Oregon goalkeeper Ayanah Soon made the save as the Wolves held on for the 3-2 victory.
The loss moved Northwest Nazarene to 3-9-3 overall and 3-6-2 in GNAC play, while Western Oregon improved to 3-8-4 overall and 2-6-3 in conference action. NNU will travel to Lacey, Wash. to face Saint Martin's to end their last road trip of the season.
By the numbers:
- Natalie Fish scored her first goal and first assist of her career
- Kimball scored her second goal of the season, third of her career
- Ramos recorded her first assist of the year adn put two shots on goal
- Westbrook led the Nighthawks with four shots, including three on goal
- NNU and Western Oregon each finished with 13 shots
- The Nighthawks put nine of their 13 shots on goal
- NNU scored both of its goals in the second half
- Alex Barrass recorded two saves
