Cougar women lose to Arizona State

PULLMAN, Wash. – Karin Volpe’s goal in the first half pushed No. 25 Arizona State past Washington State in the Pacific-10 Conference women’s soccer opener for both schools, Friday.

 

Early in the 28th minute, Sierra Cook sent a cross from the right side into the box. Devin Marshall’s header was saved by Washington State (5-7-0, 0-1-0 Pac-10) goalkeeper Meghan Berlingo. The ball deflected off the crossbar and Volpe put home the rebound for her fourth game-winner of the season.

 

The Cougars’ best scoring chance came about a minute prior to Volpe’s goal. Arizona State (7-2-2, 1-0-0 Pac-10) was called for playing the ball with the hand and Washington State was awarded a free kick from 22 yards out. Washington State freshman Eileen Maes sent a low hard shot that beat the Sun Devils’ wall, but Arizona State goalkeeper Alyssa Gillmore was there to make her only save of the match.

 

“We gave a subpar performance and that is disappointing,” Cougar Head Coach Matt Potter said. “We expected to play better given that fact it was our Pac-10 opener and it is homecoming weekend.”

 

Washington State earned five corner kicks to two for Arizona State. The Sun Devils outshot the Cougars 13-9. Berlingo made six saves for Washington State. The Cougars host Arizona, Sunday at noon.

 

COUGAR NOTES

Senior goalkeeper Meghan Berlingo moves into seventh place all-time at Washington State with 103 saves…match marked the first time since 2006 and the second time in the last 10 seasons the Cougars have opened Pac-10 play at home.