Western Vikings Update: Women beat Hawaii Pacific, Men host 4-match stand

BELLINGHAM, Wash. – Forward Kristin Maris(Jr., Issaquah) scored one goal and assisted on another in a 6:31 span early in the first half, leading Western Washington University to a 2-0 victory over Hawaii Pacific University in a West Region women’s soccer contest Thursday at Orca Field on the campus of Whatcom Community College.

The Vikings improved to 2-1-0 with their second consecutive win and HPU dropped to 1-2-0 with its second straight loss.

Maris set up freshman Jessica Bertucci’s(Bellingham/Sehome) first collegiate goal in the seventh minute, playing a through ball that Bertucci finished with her first touch from eight yards out.

Maris then scored herself in the 14th minute, heading home a cross after good work down the right side from Stephanie Hamilton (Fr., Orting/Bellarmine Prep) and Brina Sych(Jr., Vancouver/Union).

“It’s always good to get a win,” said WWU coach Travis Connell, who picked up his 104th career victory, just two short of the school record held by Dominic Garguile (1981-90).  “I was happy we were able to create space and then use that space, which created more chances.”

WWU entertains Azusa Pacific on Saturday September 8th (2 p.m.). The two teams have met just once previously, the Vikings winning 2-0 in 1994.

Vikings Men host 4-match homestand

Beginning a four-game home stand, the Western Washington University men’s soccer team entertains Hawaii Pacific on Friday September 7  (7:30 p.m.) and Dixie State on Sunday the 9th (1 p.m.) in a pair of non-conference games at Orca Field on the campus of Whatcom Community College.

In all, the 0-2-0 Vikings will play nine of their next 11 games at home. Following this home stand, they are on the road for two contests before returning to Orca Field for five games.

Last week, WWU got off to a rough start, being edged 2-1 at nationally No.23-ranked Chico State and blanked 2-0 at Notre Dame de Namur.

Senior Justin Moore(Port Orchard/South Kitsap) scored the Vikings’ only goal in the 83rd minute of the NDNU contest.

WWU was outshot, 35-16, in the two games.

The Vikings have split their previous six games with Hawaii Pacific and lost their only other meeting with Dixie State, 2-1, last year.

The Vikings have had some fun recently posting videos on their Facebook page.

Visit: www.WWUVikings.com

Western Men on recent trip to California. (Facebook)

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