WALLA WALLA, Wash. –  In a matchup between two of the top teams in the Northwest Conference, the Pacific Lutheran University men's soccer team stunned Whitman College in double overtime, when Keeton Heggerness assisted on Cris Lozano's golden goal in the 107^th minute. 
 
"There was a lot of grit and grind to pull the win out today," said PLU Head Coach John Yorke.  "One of our assistants after the game said that was a NCAA Tournament type game today.  It felt like a NCAA Tournament game today and in a way it kind of was.  Both of the teams needed to win.  It was not the prettiest soccer game, but we showed a lot of grit."
 
With time dwindling in the final overtime period, sophomore keeper Nicholas Gaston picked up the ball, ran towards the top of the box and launched the ball to a streaking Rainier Schlekewey.  Schlekewey played the ball across midfield to Heggerness, who crossed it to the right side to Lozano who did the rest.  It was the fourth consecutive match that the junior scored a goal for PLU. 
 
"Nick made that decision on his own and we've been talking to him a lot about early distribution," said Yorke.  "Our goalkeeper coach Willy Leiste has been working with him on that, and it was great recognition."
 
Both defenses bent, but did not break for most of the afternoon in sunny Walla Walla.  Gaston was on his game, making six saves to shutout the Blues.  Colby Ramsey made three stops prior to allowing the game-winner by Lozano.  The Blues launched 18 shots to just eight by PLU. 
 
With the victory, PLU maintained its two-point lead over Willamette University for the top spot in the Northwest Conference standings.  The Lutes look to continue their postseason push when they host Pacific University on Saturday and George Fox University Sunday.  Both kickoffs are scheduled for 2:30 p.m.