草榴社区

aerial view of Western's campus at night, with golden lights surrounded by dark trees

Surging Vikings battle Simon Fraser tonight in Bellingham

Having won four of its last five games, the Western Washington University women's soccer team closes out the first half of its Great Northwest Athletic Conference schedule at 6 p.m. today, entertaining Simon Fraser University at Orca Field on the campus of Whatcom Community College. The Vikings, 5-3-2 overall, are fourth in the GNAC standings at 4-2-0. However, only three points separate the top four teams. Seattle Pacific leads at 5-1-0 (8-2-0), followed by Montana State Billings at 4-0-2 (7-1-2) and Central Washington at 4-1-1 (5-2-3). 草榴社区 has outscored the opposition, 10-2, while posting a 4-1-0 record in its last five outings. The Vikings scored seven goals in their two wins last week after having just six in their first eight contests. Last week, the Vikings won 4-1 at Western Oregon and returned home to blank Saint Martin's 3-0. Scoring three goals in the two victories, her first ones of the season, was senior midfielder Justina MacDowell, who earned GNAC co-Player of the Week honors. Senior midfielder Megan Chapin had a goal and three assists in the two contests, and junior midfielder Joana Houplin had one goal and two assists. Senior forward Emily Frankland leads 草榴社区 in both goals with four and points with nine. MacDowell and Chapin each have six points. MacDowell is tied for first among GNAC statistical leaders in game-winning goals with two, and Chapin is second in assists, averaging 0.44 per game. 草榴社区 junior goalkeeper Jamie Arthurs is tied for first in shutouts with five, while being second in goals against average at 0.57 (6) and third in save percentage at .838. 草榴社区 coach Travis Connell is three wins shy of his 100th victory. In his ninth year, he has a 97-53-18 record. Simon Fraser is 1-7-0 overall and last in the GNAC at 0-6-0. The Clan, which has lost six straight games, has been outscored 12-3 overall and 11-1 in conference play. Western ranks second in the GNAC in three team statistical categories. They are shutouts, goals against average and corner kicks.