NAMPA, IDAHO – The Seattle Pacific University women's soccer team put together a total team effort against Northwest Nazarene on Thursday night, as a goal from Sophie Beadle, and a shutout from Mercedes Cullen and the SPU defense culminating in a 1-0 victory over the Nighthawks.

"It was a great effort from the group tonight," head coach Arby Busey said. "NNU is a great team, and it was a difficult game tonight. It was a great team win. We had so many gritty performances to get out of there with a win."

After a calm and evenly played first half, the Falcons struck quickly after halftime. In the 47th minute, Maya Parman put a pass at the feet of Beadle to finish. She did just that, scoring her first goal of the season while putting SPU up 1-0.

Beadle has been on the other side of goal-scoring combinations for the Falcons this season. She's made four assists in 2023. Entering the weekend, she leads the Great Northwest Athletic Conference in assists.

The defense was outstanding for the Falcons against the Nighthawks. Mercedes Cullen led the group in goal. She played the full 90 minutes and made seven saves. The shutout was the second of the season for Cullen.

"Mercedes was amazing again and kept us in it until we scored," Busey said. "Beadle was great tonight and has consistently led us well all season. She inspired us to a great start in the second half."

With Thursday's victory, head coach Arby Busey picked up the 100th win of his career. Busey's tenure at SPU includes a GNAC Coach of the Year award, a GNAC regular season and tournament championship, and four trips to the NCAA Tournament, including a West Region Championship in 2021.

"It is awesome to have a moment like this to pause and remember all the amazing people who have been alongside me thus far," Busey added. "I am amazed every day at the quality of the people I'm surrounded by. Thanks to each and every one of them who have provided so much joy along the way."

The Falcons play Central Washington on Saturday at 7 p.m. in Ellensburg, Wash.