SPOKANE, Wash. - Cory Druffel scored just over three minutes into the match and the Whitworth University Pirates posted their ninth shutout of the season in a 1-0 win over the visiting George Fox University Bruins in Northwest Conference women's soccer Saturday afternoon here at the Whitworth soccer field.

Whitworth kept alive its hopes for an NWC title with its second victory of the season over George Fox, improving to 11-4-1 overall and 9-2-1 in the conference. The Bruins fell to 3-9-3 overall and 2-8-1 in league play.

The Pirates had two early shots, one wide and the other saved by Bruin keeper Alyssa Montero, before Druffel notched her fourth goal of the season and only one of the game.  Allie Smith slotted a pass through two defenders up the middle of the field to a cutting Druffel for the assist, and she finished the shot just inside the left post.

Whitworth dominated the first half, outshooting George Fox 17-1, including an 8-0 edge in shots on goal.  Montero made seven saves in the first half, her total for the game. 

The second half was a little more even as the Bruins held the Pirates to only a 6-3 edge in shots.  Nicole Akiu had the Bruins' only shot on goal to tie and it was stopped easily by Whitworth's Callie Bergstrom.

Abbie Moseley had the Pirates' only open shot of the second half, but it was knocked off the line at the last second by Bruin defender Erin Moriki.

Whitworth finishes with 23 shots to four for George Fox, and held an 8-3 advantage in corner kicks as well.

NEXT:  George Fox completes its eastern Washington swing Sunday at 12:00 noon at Whitman College ... Whitworth hosts Pacific University Sunday, also at 12:00 noon.