Written by Student Assistant Christian Bond

WALLA WALLA, Wash. – Machaela Graddy's golden goal in overtime gave the 17th-ranked Pacific Lutheran University women's soccer team the 1-0 win over Whitman College on Saturday afternoon in a Northwest Conference clash at the Whitman Athletic Fields.

Graddy's goal came in the 93rd minute of action. It was her fourth goal of the season, giving the Lutes (8-1, 5-0 NWC) their fifth win in conference play.

"Megan Anderson played a beautiful ball and I turned around the defender in the box and shot it past the goalie as she stepped from her line," Graddy said "I just have to say there were a couple of moments I should have scored earlier and was frustrated but my team had my back 100%. It was all due to them I could finish on that chance."

The Lutes controlled the game offensively throughout the contest, rattling off 10 shots in both the first and second half. The shot totals were one-sided, as the Lutes finished the game with a 21-3 edge over the Blues (1-7-1, 1-3-1 NWC) in shots.

Natalie Robinson was solid in goal, recording her eighth shutout of the season. She made two saves on the day and has now gone 667 consecutive minutes without allowing a goal.

"It was a very competitive game today," Head coach Seth Spidahl said. "Credit to Whitman as they had good energy and competed very well. I'm proud of our team. We had some very good looks at goal during regular time but just couldn't quite get the finishing touch. They stuck with the process, and Megan Anderson served in a good ball to Mac who found her goal in OT for the day!"

The road trip finishes with a meeting between two team's who are undefeated in conference play. PLU plays Whitworth University on Sunday at noon.