Women's Soccer Coach Julie Woodward Earns Her 300th Win

A historic night at Championship Field resulted in a 2-0 victory for Seattle University women’s soccer over CSU Bakersfield Thursday at Championship Field. The win marks Coach Julie Woodward’s 300th victory at the helm of the program in her 23rd season coaching the Redhawks.

(Related story: "Woodward Makes Impact Beyond Win Total")

"Our team has continued to improve every game," said Woodward. "It's hard to pick out just one player with a great performance because so many played so well and contributed. Getting the 300th win tonight was a very special moment and is a huge testament to the players who have played here, staff I have worked with and the support of the university."

Leahi Manthei and Jessie Ray scored their third and fourth goals of the season, respectively, to lead SU to their second conference victory.

Seattle U is 21-0-0 all-time versus CSUB.

The Redhawks (6-6-2, 2-0-1 WAC) got in the attack from the opening whistle with a flurry of shots to put the `Runners (6-7-1, 1-2-0 WAC) on their heels. Seattle U outshot the visitors 26-4 on the night.

Manthei opened the scoring in the 16th minute after a one-touch touch pass from Ray that split the CSUB center backs. Manthei pounced on the open ball and slotted a left-footed finish eight yards out.

Holly Rothering dominated the midfield with decisive passing that kept possession in favor of the home side. Balls over the top from the senior midfielder put the `Runner backline under constant duress and provided an abundance of scoring opportunities for the streaking Manthei and Gabe Jillings on the wings.

With a 1-0 lead following the halftime break, Ray scored her fourth of the 2019 campaign in the 51st minute. A long-ball from Kelsey Vogel found the feet of Ray on the corner of 18-yard box who sent a left-footed curler to the top corner to put the Redhawks up 2-0.

Freshman goalkeeper Madison Waguespack notched her fourth shutout of the year to pair with the 2-0 win.

Seattle U looks to continue its momentum Saturday against New Mexico State with kickoff set at 7 p.m. at Championship Field.