WALLA WALLA, Wash. – College of Idaho posted a 16-3 edge in shots on the way to a 2-0 season opening win at Whitman on Saturday night.
The Yotes (1-0) jumped on top early in the 18th minute after a nice thru-ball by
Lily Schlake that put C of I into a dangerous position. The look led to an own goal off a Blues player.
With a 1-0 lead at her benefit, senior keeper
Shae Waters blanked Whitman for the remainder of the first half, making two saves in the process.
Junior
Hannah McFadden took over in the net for the Yotes in the second half, quickly getting thrown into the fire with a penalty kick situation in the 49th minute. The Centennial product responded well, stopping the attempt from the Blues to preserve the shutout.
Shortly thereafter,
Brynna Herridge rocketed a missile over keeper Hannah Hagler into the net to extend the C of I advantage to 2-0.
An energetic crowd under the lights presented both teams with a perfect stage to start the season under.
"What a fantastic environment for the opener," said head coach
Brian Smith. "It was a big crowd under the lights. We had a massive effort by everyone tonight with some great combinations that led to wonderful moments on the final third. We lacked a little sharpness in the final piece of the game, but the things we have focused on during the week really showed lots of progress. A very mature effort tonight against a very determined and hard-working Whitman squad."
In addition to the 16-3 advantage in shots, the Yotes also had eight shots on frame to three for the Blues. C of I had five corners to none for Whitman.
Megan Wilkinson had three shots, including two on frame. Five additional C of I players added a pair of shots.
Saturday marked the fifth consecutive win for C of I over Whitman and the fourth in a row in Walla Walla.
The Yotes continue the non-conference slate with a neutral site contest at Northwest Nazarene next Thursday at 4:30 p.m. against Central Washington.
