BELLINGHAM, Wash. – For the 10th time in program history, the Seattle Pacific University women's soccer team secured the Great Northwest Athletic Conference Championship with a 2-0 win over Western Washington on Thursday night.
"Great night for us tonight," head coach Arby Busey said. "We played really hard, and had a very good first half! Had some moments in the second half that we had to suffer through and survive, but the women got it done."
The Falcons have been the dominant force in the GNAC throughout the 2023 season. They entered Thursday's match leading the conference with 88 points, 33 goals, 1.94 goals per game, and 22 assists. With Thursday's 2-0 victory, the Falcons won their 10th GNAC title in program history.
SPU entered the weekend 20th in the United Soccer Coaches National Top 25 poll and was third in the NCAA West Region Rankings. They're still undefeated in conference play and march into next weekend's conference tournament as the top seed.
"The season has been really enjoyable so far, this team is so much fun to be around," Busey said. "They have a contagious enthusiasm. We have had our ups and downs, as every team does, but we've enjoyed all of it together."
The Falcons put an end to the Viking's four-game shutout streak in the 19th minute of the match. Jacqueline Blakeley rose to the occasion again against the Vikings. The team leader in goals scored created this opportunity with her defense.
Blakeley stepped in between a pass and took the ball down the left side of the field. She cut the ball back to her right foot and fired away from 14 yards out. It landed in the back of the net and gave the Falcons an early 1-0 lead.
SPU doubled their lead in the 72nd minute. Ashlyn Valdovinos had a shot deflected that created the first corner kick of the match for the Falcons. Kathryn Nyone took the corner and sent it toward the top of the box.
The ball bounced around inside the box before arrived at Taylor Krueger's feet. Kruger settled and ripped a shot into the back of the net for her fourth goal of the season. The Falcons led 2-0 with less than 20 minutes remaining in the match.
"We took our chances well tonight," Busey said. "We knew we wouldn't get many, and would have to be clinical in those moments. Fortunately, we did a great job with the chances we created."
The Falcons offensive quality was matched by the defense. Mercedes Cullen started and played the full 90 minutes for the Falcons in goal. She faced 12 shots from the Vikings and tied a season-high with seven saves. It was Cullen's fifth shutout of the season. Like the Falcons in conference play, Cullen is undefeated in goal and owns a 9-0-3 record in matches she's started.
"Mercedes was incredible tonight," Busey added. "We needed all that she provided. She made some saves, dealt with some crosses, and her leadership was huge. Her confidence and composure in hectic moments was amazing tonight."
The Falcons turn their attention to a stress-free finale to the regular season. They'll return to Interbay Soccer Stadium to host Simon Fraser on Saturday at 5 p.m.
SPU will honor eight seniors before Saturday's match against Simon Fraser. The group includes Mackenzie Aiken, Marissa Bankey, Sophie Beadle, Jacqueline Blakeley, Lauren Forster, Chloe Gellhaus, Mia Mahaffey, and Rylee Pierce.
