The CWU women’s soccer team continues to make program history this season defeating Seattle Pacific University 2-1 Thursday afternoon to earn their first-ever NCAA Tournament victory.

“I think if you look at any team that hasn’t been here that first game you win as a program is huge for confidence and what happens next,” head coach Michael Farrand said. “We scored two big goals against SPU and it’s a huge accomplishment for our program and girls.”

Junior forward Whitney Lowe scored both of the goals for the Wildcats.

“Whitney is one of the most dangerous players in the conference,” Farrand said. “She has struggled a bit here and there, but she found herself in an important position and she finished twice.  She was able to get some love back and some confidence.  Definitely our player of the match.”

It did not take long for Lowe to score dribbling 40 yards past the Falcons defensive back-line, putting a shot past the keeper in the ninth minute.

The Wildcats took that lead into halftime, while outshooting their opponent 8-4.

Seven minutes into the second half a shanked clearance by the SPU goalkeeper went right to Lowe where she headed the ball in making the score 2-0.

The Falcons did not go without a fight though scoring a goal nine minutes later cutting the lead to 2-1.

SPU pushed players up the field to try and tie the game up but were unsuccessful.

“I thought we responded well, especially after we gave up the goal and were able to play more effectively on the way out against a great team,” Farrand said.

Next up CWU (14-5-1) will face undefeated Western Washington (19-0-1) in the second round of the NCAA Tournament Saturday at 1 p.m.

Note: Quotes courtesy of CWU Athletics Department