NEWBERG, Ore. --- George Fox University's women's soccer team earned their first win of the season Friday afternoon, as the Bruins defeated the Pirates, 1-0.

The Bruins improve to 1-7-3 on the season and 1-5-1 in conference play, while the Pirates fall to 3-8-1 and 2-6 in conference.

"I was impressed with the versatility and grit of our team today," said head coach Cory Hand. "The girls were faced with fighting more than their opponents, but also a culture. It has been 10 years since George Fox women's soccer has beat Whitworth, who was coming off of a large win against defending conference champs UPS."

The first period proved to be a true battle of grit, as both teams weren't able to get within striking distance as both defenses came well prepared.

The defensive battle continued the rest of the period as the score was tied 0-0 at half.

In the second period, the Bruins ended the 10 year streak after Becca Allen found Cassidy Skillings in the middle of the box, who then put one in the back of the net for the game winning goal. "The goal felt nice, but nothing could top the feeling of the win," said Skillings.

"We implemented new tactics, new positions, and new player combinations," said Hand. "The girls never flinched and rose to the occasion. Four years of center back, Cassidy (Skillings) was moved to the striker position. The moment she stepped up to her new position the game was changed.  It only took 3 impressive minutes for "Skills" to get her game winning goal!"

The defense would show no mercy keeping the Pirates at bay the rest of the game. In fact, the Bruins out-shot the Pirates in the second half, 5-4.

"The rest of the game the girls tightened up their defense, emptied themselves and were committed to the cause to grab that win," mentioned Hand. "That was a team game and a team win."

Ally Swanson received the start for the Bruins and witnessed nine shots with three on goal. Swanson saved all three shots.

The Bruins will host Whitman tomorrow afternoon on Oct. 12 at 12:00 p.m.