News Release Date:
Saturday, November 7

WALLA WALLA, Wash. -- Freshman keeper Devin Kuh made a dozen saves, including some of the spectacular variety, but it wasn't enough to keep the Whitman College men's soccer team from dropping a 1-0 Northwest Conference decision to Whitworth University Saturday afternoon in Spokane, Wash.

Whitworth finished the regular season with a record of 13-2-3 overall and 11-1-2 in the NWC, winning its third straight conference title.

Whitman, which lost eight one-goal decisions this fall, saw its season end with records of 4-12-3 and 3-9-2.

The game's lone score, which came with about eight minutes left to play, wasn't without a bit of controversy, according to Whitman coach Mike Washington.

The game-deciding play developed after the Pirates lofted a ball into the Whitman box. Kuh came down with the ball but had it kicked out of his hands by one of the Whitworth players, Washington said. Brent Zahn gathered the loose ball for the home team and scored into an open net.

"It was unfortunate because Devin played a great game," Washington said. "He made some good saves and stopped a few one-on-one chances that kept us in the game."

Whitworth outshot the Missionaries 20-10 on the afternoon, which included a 13-3 edge in shots on goal.

"They are a very good side and they had us under pressure at times, but it wasn't a constant pressure," Washington said. "We battled hard and played well. Our defenders had a good game, and while we didn't generate enough offense, we had a few chances." 

"This was a game Whitworth had to have for their championship," he added. "We wanted to make it hard on them, and I think we did."

Senior Todd Wallenius led the Whitman offense with four shots. Conner Bottomly took three shots.

Box score

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CONTACT: Dave Holden
Sports Information Director
Whitman College, Walla Walla, Wash.
509 527-5902; holden@whitman.edu