WSU soccer team wins in NCAAs

COLLEGE PARK, Md. – Mallory Fox’s goal with 16 minutes left in regulation gave the Washington State Cougars a 1-0 victory over Villanova on Friday night at Ludwig Field in the first round of the NCAA women’s soccer championships.

Senior Maggie Dougher sent a ball into the box from the right side, where senior Carly Dobratz headed it to Fox, who headed the ball off the hands of Wildcats goalkeeper Molly Williams and over the goal line.

“I haven’t scored in a really long time,” Fox said. “It wasn’t the way I imagined it, but it felt awesome.”

WSU (14-5-2) won for the third time this season when being outshot. Villanova (11-6-5) held a 16-9 advantage in shots, including 10-5 in the second half.

“We have always said the worst we can do when we play defense the way we are capable of is tie the game,” Dougher said. “On the goal, I just put the ball high into the box and gave someone a chance.”

With the victory, the Cougars advanced one step past last year when a 1-0 loss to Texas at Portland ended WSU’s season in the NCAA first round.

“It (moving to the second round) speaks to how far our program has come and where we continue to strive to get,” WSU coach Matt Potter said.

The Cougars, who have tied the school record for victories, play Maryland at 10 a.m. PST Sunday.