LOS ANGELES – Nicole Molen's first half goal proved to be enough as No. 5 USC posted a 3-0 victory over Washington State Thursday afternoon at McAlister Field.
 
Once again the Cougar offense created scoring opportunities but could not find the net as they fall to 6-8-1 on the season, 1-6-0 in Pac-12 play. USC improved to 12-3-0 overall, 5-1-0 in conference action.
 
USC found the scoreboard first in the 23rd minute as Alex Anthony's shot from outside the box was saved by Ella Dederick, but the rebound went right to Nicole Molen who volleyed the rebound home from short range. It marked Molen's fourth goal of the season and gave the Trojans the 1-0 lead.
 
WSU had chances in the 39th minute with Kaitlyn Johnson possessing the ball just outside the box, where she had two shots, both blocked, before USC goalkeeper Sammy Jo Prudhomme corralled the ball near the net post.
 
Late in the first half Amy Neal drove up the right side before crossing the ball into the box where Katie Jones and a one-touch with the left foot that sailed just over the crossbar, having beaten Prudhomme had the ball been a foot lower.
 
Early in the second half Leah Pruitt made a run through the Cougar defense where Anthony's thru ball found her in stride inside the box. She took a touch to get past Dederick and converted the shot for her third goal of the year, increasing the Trojan lead to 2-0. Early in the sequence the ball appeared to go outside the touch line, with both teams hesitating waiting for the whistle, but it didn't come and Pruitt continued her run to goal.
 
In the 83rd minute Katie Johnson found Hailey Hite in front of the net and the Trojan sophomore one-timed it to the near post for the final margin of victory, her first goal of the season.
 
Late in the contest Morgan Weaver looked to cut into the lead as her shot from outside the box struck the crossbar before being cleared away, the last good look for the Cougars.
 
For the game the Trojans outshot the Cougars, 23-15, while Dederick finished the day with a season-high nine saves.
 
The Cougars are next in action Sunday when they visit No. 9 UCLA. Match time is set for 1 p.m.
 
--wsucougars.com--