**Press Release WSU Athletics**
PULLMAN, Wash. - Washington State soccer closed out the regular season with a 1-0 victory over arch rival Washington at Lower Soccer Field, Friday.
In front of the largest November crowd in school history, the Cougars showed their prowess, defeating the Huskies while recording their ninth shutout this season. When playing at home, WSU has allowed only two goals all season, tied for fewest in school history.
In the final scheduled match of 2012, team scoring leader Micaela Castain once again highlighted her ability to find the back of the net. Castain converted the game-winner, her fifth this year, in the 43rd minute by chipping the ball inside the near post, just out of the reach of Washington goalkeeper, Kari Davidson. The goal was Castain's 11th of the year.
The scoring sequence started with Nicole Setterlund's extra effort of heading the ball at midfield to teammate Kourtney Guetlein. Guetlein dribbled the ball past a defender and placed a perfect cross into the box, allowing Castain to finish the play that put the Cougars in front of the Huskies.
The WSU defense put forth a strong showing, only allowing two shots in the first half and holding Washington at bay amid a birage of shots in the second period as the Huskies attempted to stay alive in the match.
"This is the culmination of a lot of work," said Washington State Head Coach Keidane McAlpine. "We put the work in and on a tough day against a tough team we got a win."
The five senior team members (Ariana Byrd, Mariah Cameron, Shannon McFadden, Zoe Jeffers, and Brandi Vega) were honored in a ceremony before the match and all five started in their final appearance at Lower Soccer Field.
McAlpine commented about starting all five seniors stating, "Those kids put in their time here, they are true Cougs, they've done their part, and they've been warriors for the program. They deserve to get a start and be recognized by not only our team but the fans and their families out here today."
The total tallies for the match had Washington trailing Washington State in shots and corners 12-10 and 7-3, respectively. Byrd and Gurveen Clair split time in goal; Byrd was not forced to make any saves, while Clair recorded four and was credited with the win.
The Cougars hope to hear their name called Monday at 1:30 p.m. when the NCAA announces the 64-team field for the Division I Championship.
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