McMINNVILLE, Ore. - Arielle Van Peursem scored the match-winning goal with a header in the 34th minute as visiting Whitworth topped Linfield, 1-0, on Saturday afternoon at the Linfield Soccer Field.

Whitworth (5-3, 3-1 Northwest Conference) handed Linfield, the NWC runner up in each of the last four seasons, its first loss of the season. The Pirates also snapped a seven-match losing streak against Linfield (4-1-1, 1-1-1) and earned their first win over the Wildcats since 2010.

Van Peursem, a freshman, netted her first collegiate goal on a header via a pass sent into the 18-yard box from fellow freshman Kelly Wucherer, who recorded her first collegiate assist on the play. Van Peursem played a pass from inside the box out to Wucherer, who sent the ball toward goal from near the corner of the 18-yard box and connected with Van Peursem for the header finish.

Linfield held a slight edge in shots during the first half (5-4) but Whitworth totaled six shots after halftime while holding the Wildcats to just two shots. The Pirates held a 6-5 edge in shots on goal for the match. The Wildcats had four corner kick opportunities compared with two for Whitworth.

Andrea Stump collected five saves as Whitworth notched its fourth shutout win of the season. Linfield goalkeeper Sarah Bailey also totaled five saves.

Saturday's match was the first true road contest for the Pirates in 2015, after opening the season with four home matches and three neutral-site contests. Whitworth extended its NWC road win streak to three matches with the win over Linfield, dating back to last season.

Whitworth will look to extend its win streak to four games tomorrow, traveling to face Willamette at noon. Following Sunday's match, Whitworth returns home to host Puget Sound and Pacific Lutheran next Saturday and Sunday.