Box Score BELLINGHAM, Wash. — The scoreboard may not show it, but the Humboldt State women's soccer team more than held its own against No. 3-ranked Western Washington in a 2-0 loss on Thursday night.

"Tonight was a fantastic measuring stick for us, we have said all along that we want to play the best teams in the country and tonight we did that," said HSU Head Coach Paul Karver. "The work rate from the girls was fantastic and we gave Western Washington all that they could handle. We controlled play for long stretches, but at the end of the day there is a reason they are No. 3 in the country."
 
After a scoreless opening half, the Vikings' Catherine Miles found the net from 17 yards for the first score at 54:31.
 
The Lumberjacks (0-1) booted shot after shot late in the second half, but could not put it past the home goalkeeper. Following an assist on the first score, Jessica Bertucci scored Western Washington's game-clincher at 86:50 for the 2-0 final score.

"Both teams had chances but we felt that we controlled the game for long stretches but didn't get the result that we needed from that control. We had a handful of quality chances but if you don't put them away they are just chances and the game is own and lost with goals," said Karver.
 
The Vikings (1-0) outshot the Jacks, 21-13, but the visitors attempted nine of their shots in the final 45 minutes.
 
Lizzie Mitchell connected on six boots with three being on goal. Maddi Null added two shots and Courtney Rebata drilled the lone other HSU shot on net.
 
Goalie Amber Woolcock saved three Western Washington shots.

"We have proven time and time again that we can respond after a loss and we are very excited to do that on Saturday," said the Jacks coach.
 
HSU will continue its northwest road weekend with a 1 p.m. Saturday afternoon match at Western Oregon.