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NEWARK, Del. - - Alicia Whyte and Emily Navarrete scored their first goals of the season as the Wilmington University women's soccer team defeated Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference foe Bloomfield, 3-0, on Homecoming Saturday at the WU Athletics Complex.
The Wildcats (3-2-1, 1-1 CACC) led 1-0 at the half, but then Alicia White scored her first collegiate career goal and Emily Navarrete tallied her first of the season to put the Bears (2-3, 0-1 CACC) away in the second half.
Wilmington was able to get on the board early in the first half, as Krysta Memis was plowed over inside in the penalty box in the 11th minute. She got a toe on the ball while getting taken out in the box to beat the keeper, but the ball trickled wide. After the referee saw the play complete, he blew the play dead and pointed to the spot. Kasie Lambert than stepped up and buried her attempt for the 1-0 lead.
Bloomfield came out with momentum in the second half, but new goalkeeper Mio Nakajima was up to the task, making a dive stop to her right in the 56th minute to ease into the contest.
The Wildcats finally found their separation in the 67th minute, as Alicia Whyte found herself wide open on the back post. Alex Keck sent a long ball over the top from the right side of the field, finding White. White was able to find the back of the net at the near post for her first collegiate goal.
The high pressure the Wildcats were deploying all game finally paid off the in the 78th minute, as Emily Navarrete put the game away with her first goal of the year. She was able to take the ball off the foot of the center back and was in on goal by herself. Her low shot found the side netting to give the Wildcats the 3-0 lead.
The Wildcats led in shots, 18-4, and corners, 8-2. The Bears' Mia Phillip made six saves in goal while Mio Nakajima made two second half saves to complete the shutout with Emily Camp.
The Wildcats hit the road, but won't travel far, this week as they head to Goldey-Beacom on Wednesday afternoon. The opening whistle is set for 3:00 p.m.
