SALEM, Ore. – In a clash for Salem superiority, the Corban University women's soccer team ended victorious on Wednesday evening at Sparks Field, defeating crosstown rival Willamette University, 2-1.

"It was great to get a win, even though we didn't play our best," said director of soccer Tim Kagey. "We are still needing to iron out some things before our conference season. We are excited to continue to improve our consistency."

The victory came on the back of two goals, one from a well-known Warrior threat, and the other from a newcomer to the Navy and Gold. Maria-Frances Serrant scored the squad's first goal in just the 13^th minute of play, while Aubrey Smith's first Corban goal proved to be the game-winner in the 81^st minute.

It was the second goal in as many games for Serrant, who is off to a torrid start in the 2021 fall campaign. Makali Nance setup the score, slotting a perfectly placed through ball to Serrant, who snuck one past Bearcat goalkeeper Jordan Roue.

That gave Corban an early 1-0 advantage, and the score would remain there until the final 10 minutes of play.

In the 81^st minute, Smith padded the Warrior lead by finishing off a deflection into the box, giving the Navy and Gold valuable insurance as the clock wound down.

That goal would end up being needed by the squad, as a handball in the box in the 89^th minute allowed the Bearcats to score via penalty kick in the contest's final moments.

That would be the only blemish on an otherwise exceptional debut for Corban goalkeeper Makida Herbert, who tallied four saves in the triumph.

With the win, the Warriors move to 2-0 on the season, and they will enjoy a brief rest before returning to action on Saturday against another NCAA Division III adversary. Corban will be back on the pitch on September 4 at 5 p.m. to face off against Lewis & Clark College in Portland.