Contact: Mark Albanese, Director of Sports Communication

SPOKANE, Wash. - Machaela Graddy scored goals in each half, powering the 16th-ranked Pacific Lutheran University women's soccer squad to a 2-0 victory over Northwest Conference rival Whitworth University on Saturday afternoon.

Graddy got the Lutes (10-0-3, 7-0-2 NWC) going early, finding the back of the net in the 14th minute off a hard cross from Katie Coronado. Graddy struck again in the 68th minute, doubling the Lute lead off a through ball from Kaylie Rozell for her fifth score of 2016.

"Today I was curious to see how we would play. Whitworth has played well as of late, is a good passing team, and is pretty strong at home," said Head Coach Seth Spidahl.

"Overall we played good but we did not play great. That said we had some great individual performances. Machaela Graddy was outstanding today with two goals, Kelly White in the back and Takara Mitsui in goal were very good for us."

PLU was impenetrable in the backline, collecting its 11th shutout of the season while extended opponents scoreless streak to an impressive 580 consecutive minutes.

Takara Mitsui made three saves in goal, logging all 90 minutes between the posts while the Pirates' (5-8, 4-5 NWC) made five saves while surrendering two scores.

"Our back line in general is good. Kristi Kaneta played really well in the midfield off the bench. It was awesome to see our players maybe a little dissatisfied with how we played despite beating a good Whitworth team at their place by two goals. It's a good start to the road trip."

PLU finishes the road swing tomorrow at noon, taking on Whitman College in Walla Walla, Washington.