KIRKLAND, Wash. – Northwest University pulled away with another conference win against Providence (MT) on Saturday, Oct. 3. In this match at the NU athletic field, Captain Ella Baker's goal in the second half helped defeat the Argos 1-0 during the one-game stand at home.
Providence was seeking its first victory over Northwest on Saturday. The Eagles have won every matchup since both teams first met in a 1-1 draw in 2015 (9-0-1 all-time). Saturday proved to be no different, as Northwest was poised at home, controlling the tempo. The Eagles generated 10 shots in both halves, totaling 20 shots, with eight on goal. Providence struggled to match the attack, managing only five shots, all of which came in the second half.
In the first half, the Eagles were able to strike two shots on goal, but both were saved by the Argos' keeper. Northwest maintained heavy possession throughout the half, and this momentum was carried through halftime.
Northwest sustained pressure out of the half by squeezing the pitch and bearing results in the 52nd minute. Assisted by Kambree Degon's free kick, Ella Baker tapped in just beyond the doorstep for the 1-0 lead.
Baker credited the go-ahead strike to a designed play with precise execution, explaining that "two girls were on top of the box [and] set a screen [allowing] Kam (Degon) to play a perfect ball, and I just got right on it."
After breaking the deadlock, Northwest kept the pressure on. Degon was especially active on the attack, recording five shots on the day.
Baker was also asked for comment on the upcoming senior weekend games as they push for playoffs. "It's a win today … but we're looking forward to the rest of conference. We want to keep competing, … getting team wins, and keep scoring goals."
The Eagles delivered on that objective as they improved to 2-2-1 in conference despite missing key contributors Talia Hurst and Laura Rice due to injury.
Northwest returns in the upcoming senior weekend home stretch facing Bushnell University and Corban University. The games take place at 12:30 p.m. PT on Friday, Oct. 9, against BU and 12:30 p.m. PT Saturday, Oct. 10, against CU.
Written and Reported by Benjamin Shoop, Media & Journalism Intern | NU Athletic Dept.
