WALLA WALLA, Wash. – Freshman Rylee Russell continued her sensational start to the season, scoring twice in the second half as No. 6 The College of Idaho (3-0-0) erased a one-goal deficit and powered past NCAA DII Whitman College, 3-1, Saturday evening at Whitman Sports Complex.
 
Russell, who was named the Cascade Collegiate Conference Offensive Player of the Week last week, recorded her second multi-goal match of the young season and pushed her season total to five goals through the Yotes' first four matches.
 
After a scoreless first half, Whitman broke through in the 59th minute when Avery Cohen found the back of the net to give the Blues a 1-0 advantage.
 
The Yotes wasted little time responding.
 
Just over two minutes later, Shaelyn Olsen delivered a pinpoint pass to Russell, who buried the equalizer in the 62nd minute to level the match at 1-1.
 
Only 1:54 later, Olsen took matters into her own hands. The senior midfielder capitalized on an attacking opportunity and scored the go-ahead goal in the 64th minute, continuing her impressive start to the season with her second goal of the year.
 
The Yotes put the match away in the 82nd minute when Russell struck again, finishing a feed from Zoey Takeuchi to complete the brace and provide the final 3-1 margin.

"I thought Rylee and Shae were phenomenal tonight," said head coach Brian Smith. "Rylee continues to show why she's one of the most dangerous attacking players in our conference. Her movement, finishing ability and confidence in big moments were outstanding. Shae impacts the game in so many ways, and to come away with a goal and an assist speaks to the quality she brings every time she steps on the field.I also can't say enough about Abbi Roubidoux. Her leadership and work rate were exceptional, especially after halftime. She set the tone with her energy, her willingness to battle and her commitment to doing the little things right. Our group fed off that. Abbi inspired us in the second half, and I thought her effort was a huge reason we were able to turn the game around."
 
Despite being outshot 16-10 overall, The College of Idaho made the most of its opportunities, placing seven shots on goal and converting three times.
 
Defensively, Molly McCabe earned the victory in goal, making three saves on the night as the Yotes limited Whitman to just one goal despite facing 16 shots and seven corner kicks.
 
The Yotes will conclude their nonconference schedule Sunday when they face the University of Puget Sound (Wash.) in neutral-site action at Whitman College in Walla Walla. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. MT.