ASHLAND – Payton Puppe-Wotipka's successful free kick in the 69th minute and Ashlynn Hernandez's clutch play in goal got Southern Oregon back in the win column on Saturday, 1-0 over Providence (Mont.) at Raider Stadium.

With a line of Argos in front of her, Puppe-Wotipka took a 19-yard attempt aligned with the right post that nicked the shoulder of one of those defenders. Its subsequent rerouting left keeper Chloe Pajaro with no chance as she watched it fly inside the far post.

Hernandez, meanwhile, came up with eight saves in one of her best performances of the fall. The last of those foiled a one-on-one chance for Providence's top scorer, Ernestina Serwaa Ofori, in the open field with 12 seconds to go. It was the 26th career shutout for Hernandez, who along with four other Raiders was celebrating her senior day. She needs one more for SOU's all-time record.

The Raiders upped their record to 7-5-1 overall and 4-4-1 in the Cascade Conference, ending the day in sixth place with three regular-season games left to play. They completed an unbeaten weekend and ended a four-game winless streak.

The Argos fell to 5-8-1 and 2-7-0. They currently stand outside of the playoff picture in 11th place.

SOU had chances to bust the game open with 23 total shots, 14 of which came after halftime. Puppe-Wotipka and Frida Vargas both put two on target.

The goal was the first in the career of Puppe-Wotipka, a sophomore from Mukilteo, Wash.

The Raiders are on the road for the rest of the regular season. They visit Oregon Tech next Friday.