ELLENSBURG, Wash (Oct. 30) – Sophomore Keilin Farrand headed a ricochet that bounced off the Saint Martin's University keeper for her second goal of the season, it proved to be the game-winning score as the Wildcats punched their ticket into the Great Northwest Athletic Conference Tournament.

The win elevates the record of Central Washington University to 8-6-3 overall, and 7-3-3 in the GNAC. The loss leaves SMU at 2-13-2 overall, and 2-10-1 in conference.

The eventual game-winning goal occurred in the 23^rd minute. It began with forward play to freshman Mackenzie Nolte who ripped a shot from the right side of the box. The ball bounced off the fists of the keeper and floated in the air until Farrand headed it home.

"We work on framing the ball all the time," Head Coach Michael Farrand said. "Keilin just came from the backside and finished it for us."

The Wildcats would roll into half time with a 1-0 lead while being outshot by SMU eight to five in the half. CWU would finish the match outshooting SMU 14-13, and taking two more corner kicks.

"The first half defense started a bit slow," Farrand said referencing the shot totals. "Saint Martin's has a bunch of good players. But, we tightened up the backline in the second half and they played much better."

The best scoring opportunity for the Saints occurred in the 32^nd minute. The Saints worked the ball into the left side of the box. Keeper Kayla Lipston deflected a pointblank attempt that angled and rolled to the foot of a backside attacker. Lipston, then dove to her left to keep the Saints off the board.

Just four minutes into the second half the Wildcats would add an insurance goal to seal the deal. Substitute Bailey Martoncik threaded a beautiful ball that found the foot of a streaking Nolte. Nolte won the foot race and scored a one-on-one for her eighth goal of the season.

"We are a little bit young, and to be in this position, it just shows how much we've progressed from the beginning of the year to right now,"

With the win the Wildcats earned one of four spots into the conference tournament.

"I am really proud, we have a great group of girls and great seniors," Farrand said. "It takes a little pressure of the Seattle Pacific game, but for being so young, we are fortunate enough to be in this position. To make the conference playoffs is a big achievement for us, and it leaves a great legacy for the seniors especially, and the younger girls."

The Wildcats will conclude the regular season, Saturday, Nov. 1, against Seattle Pacific University. Senior Day will be the final regular season game for four Wildcat seniors. Kickoff is set for 11 a.m. at the CWU Soccer Complex.

"The senior game is the worst game to coach for me, if I could skip it I would," Farrand said jokingly. "The finality of the whole day is tough. We have a great group of seniors who had great careers. There will be a lot of emotion on that day and we have to come out and play. If we get another result we can change our seeding a little bit and put ourselves in a better position."