OGDEN -- While the final scoreline didn't equal a result, the Wildcats are finally moving forward.
The end result of Weber State's meeting with Washington State in college women's soccer action on Sunday was a 4-1 victory for the Cougars, but the match on the field was far closer than that score would indicate.
"I was very pleased with the way we held on to the ball and moved it around," Weber State coach Tim Crompton said. "Today was a big step forward for our players. I know the score doesn't look like it, but this is the first time in two years that we've played a very, very good team and been able to work the ball around well. This is definitely something that we can build on."
Weber State shot out to an early lead on Washington State, with junior midfielder Emily Freshman knocking the ball into the goal on a cross out of the deep right side of the field by junior midfielder Ari Wood.
The lead stood up for 20 minutes until Washington State's Micaela Castain equalized with a short-ranged shot after Tiara Pittman made a breakaway run down the right sideline.
The Cougars punched themselves into the lead in the 38th minute, capitalizing on a defensive miscue on the edge of the third and Castain hit a blistering rocket from 20 yards out to make it 2-1.
Washington State's third and fourth goals came in quick sequence in the 67th and 70th minutes, the first off a bending shot from the deep right corner of the box and the second off a corner kick play.
Freshman defender Bailey Eames nearly cut into the deficit in the 78th minute, with her sinking shot from 20 yards out hitting the crossbar.
Weber State generated a season-high 11 shots and possessed the ball on the attack well on both flanks. Washington State had 14 shots, the fewest by a Wildcats' opponent this season, with junior goalkeeper Aly Hanson making four saves in her first start of the year.
The Wildcats return to action on Thursday when they host in-state rival Utah
(0-6-0) at 3 p.m. at Wildcat Soccer Field.
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