The Cougars won their final match of the season with a 4-2 score against cross-state rival Washington, solidifying their place as third in the Pac-12. The Cougars are ranked 18th in the nation with a 13-2-4 overall record and a 7-1-3 conference record.

The first shot of the game came 1 minute into the game when fifth-year Husky midfielder Olivia Van der Jagt tried to score but was blocked. WSU then gained control of the ball and sophomore forward Margie Detrizio shot, but Husky goalkeeper Olivia Sekany saved the ball.

Husky defender Kala McDaniel attempted a shot in the eighth minute, but it was blocked. The Cougars then attempted three shots in quick succession but none managed to score. Finally, 30 minutes into the game junior midfielder Grayson Lynch scored the first goal of the night.

It was Lynch’s seventh goal of the season. Just three minutes later, a mistake by the Cougars on the Husky corner resulted in an own goal equalizer. Immediately rebounding, fifth-year midfielder Sydney Pulver attempted a shot but was blocked. 

During the rest of the first period, there were no goals but the Huskies shot four times, while fifth-year Cougar Elyse Bennett shot once. In the 41st minute, junior defender Bridget Rieken received a yellow card.

Five minutes into the second half, sophomore forward Alyssa Gray scored the Cougars’ second goal of the game and her fifth goal of the season. After a shot by senior Husky forward Summer Yates, the Cougars launched a barrage of shots. 

Detrizio attempted two shots and freshman defender Reese Tappan attempted one shot but none were successful. Finally, thirty seconds later Pulver, assisted by Gray, scored a goal in the 61st minute. It was Pulver’s fifth goal of the season. 

Six minutes later, Detrizio, assisted by fifth-year midfielder Sydney Studer scored WSU’s fourth goal. It was Detrizio’s fourth goal of the season. Detrizio and Lynch attempted another shot 70 minutes into the match but neither hit the net.

Seventy-five minutes into the game fifth-year forward McKenzie Weinert, assisted by Yates, scored the Huskies second goal. It was her third goal of the season. Lynch attempted a goal in the 82nd minute but it was saved by Sekany.

Yates and Van der Jagt attempted the final shots of the game but neither resulted in a goal. The Cougars finished the regular season just one win shy of the program record for wins in the regular season. 

Head coach Todd Shulenberger was happy with the outcome of the game.

“Super excited, proud of this group,” Shulenberger said. “What a season so far. They really battled here. Seven wins, one loss and three ties is pretty impressive. Great way to finish the regular season, winning the Apple Cup.”

WSU’s season is not over, as they earned a bid into the NCAA Tournament. The Cougars will host Montana in the first round at 5 p.m. Saturday on the Lower Soccer Field.