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Double-digit wins in the books

by wsucougars.com
Oct 10, 2021

In Case You Missed It
PULLMAN, Wah. – Getting back on track with another dominant performance on the Palouse, Washington State (10-2-1, 4-1-0) came up with its 10th shutout of the season pushing past Cal (5-4-3, 1-3-1), 2-0, Sunday afternoon at Lower Soccer Field. The Cougs did what they have done best all season, shutting down the Bears' offense while picking up timely scoring by their front line to grab the victory. For WSU the breakthrough came in the 35' when fifth-year Sydney Pulver put the Cougs ahead from the spot, stepping up and drilling the go-ahead goal after sophomore Alyssa Gray earned the penalty for her team. The earned penalty was the second of the season for the young striker as Gray also was awarded a call in the box in the Cougs' opener against Arkansas State that was in turn cashed in by Pulver. With Pulver's goal in the books the Cougs continued to press in search of some insurance. That insurance would come shortly after the halftime break when fifth-year Elyse Bennett, the Cougs' leading scorer, used her speed to out pace the Bears' defense down the rightside before pushing into the box and firing a rocket into the top netting for her eighth tally of the year. Bennett's finish came on the end of long run set up in the midfield after the Cougs' forced a turnover and senior Sydney Studer turned it into a quick transition attack for WSU by finding the speedy striker.
On the defensive end of the field the Cougs continued their run at the program record for shutouts in a season as WSU held the Bears in check for much of the day allowing just one true scoring opportunity. Even when the Bears did find their way into the offensive third freshman Nadia Cooper was there to turn the chance away notching three saves including one diving stop in the 55' that preserved the two-goal advantage and the shutout for her team.

Stat of the Match
The Cougar defense allowed just six total shots in the contest, three in each half, en route to their 10th shutout of the season a mark which ranks tied for 4th most in program history.

The Moments That Made The Match

Things You Need To Know

  • The Cougs won their 10th game of the season reaching double-digit wins for the fifth time in seven seasons under head coach Todd Shulenberger (2020-21 season was a shortened season that saw the Cougs play just 12 total contests).
  • WSU defeated Cal for the third-straight time and second-straight by shutout.
  • The shutout was the Cougs' 10th cleansheet of the season, the seventh time WSU has hit double-digit shutouts in a season in program history.
  • Sydney Pulver became the first Coug in program history to play in 90 matches in her career.
    • She scored her third goal of the season and second from the PK spot. The goal was her second game-winner of the season, tying for the team lead.
  • Elyse Bennett notched her eighth goal of the season and third of Pac-12 play. Her eight goals is tied for third in the Pac-12.
    • She played in her 85th career match tying for 3rd all-time with Morgan Weaver.
  • Freshman Nadia Cooper earned her sixth win of the season and her fifth solo shutout. It was her first career win and career shutout at home at Lower Soccer Field after her previous wins and shutouts came on the road to start her career.
  • The Cougs hit the road to take on Arizona State, Friday, October 15 in Tempe, Ariz. The contest is scheduled for a 7 p.m. kickoff and features the nation's leader in goals scored (ASU's Nicole Douglas) versus the nation's leader in goals against (WSU's Nadia Cooper).

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