In the second of two matches hosted by Eastern Washington University’s soccer team on Saturday, April 11, EWU defeated Spokane Community College 2-1.

EWU’s spring schedule began on March 5 against Gonzaga and will culminate on April 26 against Blue Mountain Community College. Spring games are exhibition games that do not officially count for a team’s record, but provide a chance for programs to continue to improve through competition and play teams from other divisions.

Spring games also allow younger players to have an opportunity to play, since athletes who were seniors during the fall season have used up their eligibility.

One of these players is sophomore forward Ava Hinske, who scored the go-ahead goal for the Eagles during the second half. She did not score a goal during the five games she played this fall for the Eagles as a freshman, but used the spring exhibition game to put a ball in the net.

EWU and SCC were evenly matched during the first half, which lasted 30 minutes during the spring schedule instead of the normal 45. However, EWU controlled the pace of play during the second half. 

The Eagles moved the ball and attempted nine shots during the period. Two attempts on goal were saved, but SCC could not stop Hinske’s shot, which gave them the lead. 

On the other side of the ball, EWU made it difficult for the Sasquatches to find clean looks. SCC was only able to attempt three shots during the second half, all of which were saved.

The next EWU spring soccer game is this Sunday, April 19, against Central Washington. The Eagles will host the match at the EWU soccer field at 1:00 p.m. EWU will finish its spring schedule by hosting back-to-back matches on Sunday, April 26, against Columbia Basin and Blue Mountain Community College.