MONMOUTH, Ore..---  The visiting Stan State Warriors outshot their hosts, Western Oregon, this afternoon 11-10 in both team's 2023 regular season opener, the Wolves blanked their visitors 1-0 at the WOU Soccer Field in Monmouth, Ore.  The Wolves scored in the 52^nd minute on a goal from Emma Higashi off a cross from Gabby Warta in what proved to be the game-winning goal.
 
FIRST HALF:  Aliah Avilla had the match's first chance to give either the early lead in the third minute, but her shot on goal attempt was stopped by Western Oregon's Sophia Pierce.  Western Oregon (1-0) drove down the pitch and had two chances for the lead in the next four minutes, but the Warriors' Natalia Ochoa and their defense came up big with the stops.  Stan State had another chance in the 21^st minute when Haylee Heffner's shot was stopped by the Wolves' defense.  Stan State had three chances for the lead in the final ten minutes, but one was saved the Wolves' keeper off the foot of Jocelyn Lopez and Makeila Yancey's two shot attempts fell short as the match went into the half scoreless.  
 
SECOND HALF:  Early in the second half, Aliah Avila had another chance to give the guests the lead in the 47^th minute but Western Oregon's keeper came up with the stop.  Five minutes later, the Wolves took the lead on a goal by Emma Higashi off a ball from Gabby Warta.  Stan State's final attempt to tie the match at 1-1 was stopped by Sophia Pierce which was an attempt by the Warriors' Jocelyn Lopez as the Wolves took the 1-0 regular season opening victory.
 
STATS:  Stan State (0-1) held a 11-10 shot advantage and a 5-3 corner kick advantage.  Malia Allen had one save in 33 minutes for the Warriors while Natalia Ochoa had four saves in 57 minutes.  
 
UP NEXT:  The Warriors will face Saint Martin's this Sunday, September 3 at 11am in Monmouth, Ore.  Saint Martin's defeated Colorado Christian 1-0 this afternoon.  Stan State will have its home opener on Friday, September 8 at 7pm when the Warriors entertain Southern Oregon.