BELLINGHAM, Wash. – Western Washington University senior forward Gabriela Pelogi scored a pair of second-half goals to lead the No. 18-ranked Vikings to a 2-0 shutout victory over Northwest Nazarene Saturday night in Great Northwest Athletic Conference action at Harrington Field.
The victory extended WWU’s unbeaten streak to eight consecutive games, going 7-0-1 over that stretch to improve to 11-2-1 overall and 6-1-1 in GNAC play to remain in a second-place tie with Simon Fraser. Northwest Nazarene dropped its second straight game to fall to 7-6-1 overall and 3-6-0 in league play.
After a scoreless first half, the Vikings needed just 13 seconds to go up 1-0 scoring on the opening kickoff of the second half. Junior forward Liv Larson (Arlington, WA) found a streaking Peyton Chick (Renton, WA/Kentridge) down the left side of the field, who fired a cross through the box where Pelogi one-timed it to the back of the net from 4-yards out at the 45:13 mark.
Pelogi (Federal Way, WA) struck again in the 69th minute, when she beat her defender one-on-one in the box, and connected on a shot from 9-yards out beating the keeper to the near post.
With her two goals, Pelogi took over the team lead with 7 goals during her senior season, including 4 in her last 5 matches. She also moved into 5th in WWU history and 6th in GNAC history with 43 career goals
“Gabi was very active tonight and was in the right spot at the right time on the goals,” said head coach Travis Connell.
Overall the Vikings out-shot the Nighthawks 27-4, and held a 10-2 advantage in shots on goal. WWU has now recorded eight shutouts this season and allowed only one goal over the last seven games.
“We are constantly fine-tuning things trying to get better and tonight was another step in that direction,” added Connell. “I thought out midfielders did a great job tonight and we are seeing a lot of growth in their play. Their combination play tonight really got us good looks, especially in the second half.”
The Vikings dominated the first half holding a 15-2 advantage in shots and 7-1 in shots on goal, but the game was scoreless through the first 45 minutes. NNU goalkeeper Chloe Sholtz made 7 of her 8 saves in the game in the first half.
WWU redshirt sophomore goalkeeper Natalie Dierickx (Kirkland, WA/Inglemoor/Colorado State) recorded the clean sheet making a pair of saves in her fifth shutout of the season.
The Vikings (11-2-1, 6-1-1 GNAC) continue their homestand next week hosting conference leader Concordia (10-0-2, 7-0-1 GNAC) on Thursday at 7 pm at Harrington Field. WWU will then welcome Western Oregon (5-7-2, 3-5-1 GNAC) on Saturday at 5 pm for the last regular-season game of the season. Prior to the game vs. WOU, the Vikings will honor the seven seniors on the roster in a pregame ceremony.
“We are looking forward to Thursday’s match…it’s one of those games you circle on your calendar and wish the game was tomorrow,” said Connell.
