WALLA WALLA — Peninsula College’s men’s and women’s soccer teams split with powerhouse NWAACC rival Walla Walla on Saturday.
Daniel Gonzalez scored a hat trick to lead the Pirate men to a 4-1 victory and keep them unbeaten in conference play.
The Walla Walla women, though, blanked Peninsula 1-0 to end the Pirates’ perfect season.
In the men’s game, Gonzalez kicked in two goals within 3 minutes of each other in the second half as the Pirates pulled away from the Warriors.
Peninsula improved to 6-0-0 to stay on top of the West NWAACC standings while Walla Walla fell to 4-1-2 in conference play but still remained at the top of the East standings.
The top-ranked Pirates are 13-1-0 overall while the Warriors are 9-1-2.
“This was a big game,” Peninsula coach Andrew Chapman said.
“Walla Walla is ranked No. 3 in the NWAACC, and we had to play at their place. It is not a very easy place to win.
“Our guys did all the right things. We scored early and forced them to change their formation.
“This win was very big since they beat Highline [in second place in the West at 4-2-0]. This now puts us up 6 points on Highline.”
The Pirates outshot the Warriors 15-8.
Gonzalez scored just 2 minutes into the game while Alex Martinez added a goal at 24 minutes as the Pirates took a 2-0 lead into halftime.
Gonzalez put the Pirates ahead 3-0 with a goal at 54 minutes and after the Warriors scored at 56 minutes Gonzalez came right back with the final goal of the game at 57 minutes.
Earning assists for the Pirates were Parker Vacura, Irvin Somera, Martinez and Richard Gallarde.
The Pirates next host Olympic (2-3-1, 3-5-1) on Wednesday on Wally Sigmar Field at 4 p.m.
Women’s Soccer
Walla Walla 1, Peninsula 0
WALLA WALLA — The three-time defending NWAACC champion Warriors weren’t willing to fade into the background yet after beating the top-ranked Pirates in the NWAACC championship game last year.
Amanda Jones scored 9 minutes into the game on an assist by Paige Pontarolo for the only goal the Warriors would need.
Kylie Mascol recorded the shutout for Walla Walla.
The Pirates had two players pick up yellow cards in the game.
Deidra Woodward and Kendra Miner were given one yellow card each.
The Pirates still lead the West Division at 7-1-0, and they are 12-1-0 overall, while the Warriors are in second place in the East at 5-1-2.
Walla Walla is 6-2-2 overall.
The Pirates next host Olympic (1-4-3, 2-5-4) on Wednesday at 2 p.m.