# #

In the Win Column

by wsucougars.com
Feb 7, 2021

Game Highlights | Box Score (PDF) | Coach Shulenberger Postgame | Boxscore

In Case You Missed It
SEATTLE – Playing for the first time in 429 day, the Washington State soccer team did not miss a beat as the Cougars began the 2021 Spring Season with a 2-1 win on the road at Seattle U, Sunday, Feb. 7. The Cougars have had a familiar beginning to each of their last three seasons, dispatching the Redhawks for their third-straight opening season victory. It did not take long for the Cougs to get on the board in the new season as one of the youngsters started the scoring for WSU with freshman Alyssa Gray notching the first goal of the season in the 18'. Playing back on the West Side, the Gig Harbor, Wash. native made a fearless run into the box to beat the Redhawks 'keeper to a free ball, tapping it into the back of the net just before having her legs cut out from under her. The play by the freshman was set up by a pair of headers from freshman Margie Detrizio and senior Elyse Bennett, who turned a clearance into a quick offensive chance in the attacking third.
After giving up the equalizer just 30 seconds into the second half on a quick counter by the Redhawks. the Cougs got back on track in the 61' when they again turned a poor clearance by the Seattle U defense into an offensive opportunity. Similar to their first score, the Cougs outworked their Redhawk defense to come up with the game-winner as Bennett muscled her defender away from a contested pass and slotted it into the left side of the net to put WSU back out front. Bennett's first goal of the year would hold up over the final 30 minutes of the day as the Cougs' defense was never truly tested the rest of the way en route to the victory.

Stat of the Match
Senior Elyse Bennett recorded a goal and an assist in a contest for the third time in her career, second consecutive season against Seattle U.

The Moments That Made The Match

Things You Need To Know

  • Washington State improved to 25-5-2 all-time in season openers including 10-0-1 in true road contests including three-straight over Seattle U (9-2 combined score).
  • The win was WSU's fifth-straight over Seattle U.
  • Freshman Alyssa Gray became the second-straight freshman to score in the season opener joining Sky McMillon who scored at Seattle U last season..
  • Senior Elyse Bennett recorded her 11th career goal and 6th career assist in the contest. The second half strike was her 5th career game-winning goal.
  • Freshman Margie Detrizio recorded an assist in her collegiate debut.
  • WSU started three true freshmen in the contest (Alyssa Gray, Margie Detrizio, and Marin Whieldon). 
  • Six freshman made their collegiate debuts in the contest (Alyssa Gray, Margie Detrizio, Marin Whieldon, Makenna McGill, Aniah Cutler, and Jayla Land)
  • The Cougars make their home debut Friday, Feb. 14 against Eastern Washington.

Related News & Videos