Freshman forward Jessica Bertucci had a goal and an assist, as Western Washington University defeated Azusa Pacific University 2-0 in a West Region women's soccer contest Saturday afternoon, Sept. 8, at Orca Field on Whatcom Community College's campus.

It was the third straight shutout victory for the Vikings, upping their record to 3-1-0. The only loss was 1-0 at nationally No.4-ranked Chico State in the season opener.

The contest was tightly played through much of the first 70 minutes, with limited good chances for each team, but the game changed on a WWU counter attack in the 73rd minute.

Brina Sych won a clearance and dribbled 60 yards up field before feeding a pass forward to Bertucci, who was charging down the left side. Bertucci cut back inside at the edge of the penalty area and then blasted a shot inside the far post from 16 yards out for the opening goal.

Western freshman Catherine Miles scored an insurance goal later in the match to put the game away.

"It had been a very even game, you knew one goal could make the difference," WWU coach Travis Connell said in a press release. "Championship teams are made by how they react to big moments, both good and bad. We took advantage of a big moment today."

WWU begins Great Northwest Athletic Conference play against Western Oregon at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 12, at Western Oregon.