DEADLOCK

By Brandon Petersen

The Westcliff women's soccer team showed its growing national profile Thursday, grinding out a 0-0 draw on the road at Oregon Tech in hot, muggy conditions at altitude.

The Warriors, who received votes in the first NAIA Coaches Poll this week, stood tall defensively and earned their second shutout in three matches.

Head coach Jack Gidney called it "a bit of a dour game," with both teams locked in crowded midfields. "Didn't produce much, [had a] couple of moments where the wide players got round the outside but our arrivals in the box were poorly timed and couldn't get on the end of them sadly," Gidney said.

Westcliff was outshot 15-7, but goalkeeper Kayli Cokley turned away four chances to preserve the clean sheet.

Jordyn Gather, Amylette Lopez and Lauren Lizarraga each forced saves on the other end, keeping the Owls under pressure despite limited opportunities.

"Just seemed a little out of rhythm technically between the conditions and the travel," Gidney said. "Fatigued a little early and hung on at the end, but not sure either team produced enough to win it so regrettably 0-0 is probably a fair result.

"We will get some rest and go again tomorrow."

With the result, the Warriors (2-0-1) remain unbeaten to open the season and continue to build momentum for national recognition.

They'll return to the pitch tomorrow at Southern Oregon, with kickoff set for 4 p.m. PDT.