BIG SECOND HALF PROPELS WILDCAT SOCCER TO 3-2 WIN OVER MARAUDERS
Central Scores Two Goals in Six-Minute Span to Defeat University of Mary

NAMPA, Idaho (Sept. 7) -- Two goals in less than six minutes midway through the second half helped propel Central Washington University to a 3-2 women's soccer victory over the University of Mary on Monday morning at the NNU Soccer Field.

The Wildcats improved to 2-4-0 overall and earned their first win over a NCAA Division II program this season. The Marauders, from Bismarck, N.D., fell to 1-2-0 overall.

Senior Monique Cornier (Puyallup/Emerald Ridge HS) assisted on Central's two second-half goals, helping junior Ellie Eckroth (Auburn/Auburn Mountainview HS) to the go-ahead goal at the 71st minute. She then assisted on the Wildcats' third goal of the match -- the tally that proved to be the game-winner -- as sophomore Serena Tomaso (Enumclaw) found the net with her third goal of the year just 5:12 later.

"We had some good quality goals today," said CWU head coach Michael Farrand. "(Mary's) goal early in the second half woke us up, and we responded well by scoring two goals in a short period of time."

After the Wildcats took a 3-1 lead, Mary responded three minutes later as Michelle Jones scored on a breakaway. Central was able to contain the Marauders over the final 10 minutes, however, and come away with a split of their two weekend matches at Nampa.

Sophomore Brittany Franks (Yakima/West Valley HS) got CWU on the scoreboard in the first half with her second goal of the season at the 32nd minute, taking passes from juniors Kaycie Hutchins (Port Orchard/Bellarmine Prep) and Gwenna Carie (Leavenworth/Cascade HS).

Franks and Tomaso led Central with two shots on goal each, while Hutchins had a team-leading three shot attempts overall as the Wildcats outshot the Marauders, 12-9. Senior Amber Easterbrook (Kent/Kentwood HS) made five saves in goal.

Central Washington will return home for its 2009 home opener next Sunday, Sept. 13 at noon against Simon Fraser. (Note: The match had originally been scheduled for Sept. 11 but was recently rescheduled)

BOX SCORE:
Central Washington 3, Mary 2