HONOLULU – The Washington State women’s soccer team delivered its third cleansheet of the season in a 0-0 draw with the University of Hawaii, Sunday, September 6, in Honolulu. WSU redshirt-senior goalkeeper Ashlyn Dvorak earned her second shutout as the Cougar backline limited Hawaii to just four of its 13 shots on target.
“We worked hard in this one and defended exceptionally well in key moments,” WSU Head Coach Chris Citowicki said. “It was definitely a game of momentum swings and both teams had chances to capitalize.”
The Cougars started the game on the front foot, controlling possession and game flow in the first 10 minutes before the Rainbow Wahine found their footing at UH Lower Campus Field. Entering the 14th minute, the ‘Bows had their first shot saved off the line by sophomore defender Aaya McLyn. The team save kept the match scoreless early before Dvorak was called upon to punch a shot over the crossbar in the 24th minute, one of three saves for the Billings, Montana native.
Just before the half, sophomore forward Maycen Slater delivered the Cougars’ only shot on target of the match. Despite several strong build ups, Wazzu struggled to deliver the final strike on frame, while threatening in the counterattack and quick to get into the attacking third.
“Again, we are hard to score on,” Citowicki said, “and need to find the key attacking edge that we so often have at home but are yet to discover on the road. Can’t wait to be back in Pullman shortly!”
Entering the 69th minute, junior forward Reagan Brisendine made a tight turn with her back to goal about 25 yards out. The Montana transfer took a touch to split the approaching defenders before ripping a shot just wide right of the post from the top of the box.
WSU freshman and leading goal scorer Delaney Hawkins nearly scored the game-winner in the 84th minute when senior defender Riley Carolan delivered a long throw in into the 6-yard box. Senior forward Lexi Lee laid the ball back to the freshman in a crowded goalmouth, and Hawkins drove the shot low and hard into a sliding defender.
The stout Cougar defense was called upon in the final two minutes when Hawaii delivered a corner kick to the far post. The Rainbow attacker headed the ball into the crossbar and down into the ground just in front of the goal line. Carolan pounced and cleared the ball from the near post and ensured the shutout.
Washington State will have a week’s respite before returning to action at Cal State Fullerton, Sunday September 13, at 2 p.m. from Titan Stadium in Fullerton, California. The match will also stream on ESPN+.
- Ashlyn Dvorak earned her second shutout of the season and 25th cleansheet of her career
- WSU earned its third shutout of the season and third in the last four matches
- The Cougars improved to 8-0-1 all-time against Hawaii, unbeaten in all nine meetings