Pastorino Selected as NWC Defensive Student-Athlete of the Week

By Robert McKinney, Athletics Communications Director, (503) 370-6110

SALEM, ORE. -- Willamette University senior safety Cody Pastorino (Glenn, CA/Willows HS) has been chosen Northwest Conference Football Defensive Student-Athlete of the Week for his efforts as the Bearcats defeated East Texas Baptist University, 38-24, on Friday, Sept. 14. Pastorino finished the game with five total tackles in addition to blocking an extra point and forcing a fumble.

In addition to receiving the NWC defensive award, Pastorino was selected for the D3football.com Team of the Week, which honors top performances from the throughout the nation during each week of the football season.

Pastorino achieved four solo tackles and one assist. He blocked an East Texas Baptist extra point kick after the Tigers scored with 12:55 left in the game to pull within 35-24. He forced a fumble on the Tigers' next possession at the ETBU 30-yard line.

The Willamette defense caused East Texas Baptist to commit five turnovers on three interceptions and two lost fumbles. The Bearcats have forced a total of 11 turnovers (7 interceptions, 4 fumbles lost) in the first two games this season.

With the victory, Willamette improved to 2-0 on the season. The Bearcats will play at home again on Saturday (Sept. 22), when they host Northwest Conference opponent Pacific University in a non-conference game. Kickoff is set for 1:30 p.m. (PDT). Willamette and Pacific will meet in NWC action later in the season on Nov. 3 in Forest Grove, Ore.

Pastorino leads the Bearcats with 12 total tackles this fall. He is tied for second on the squad with nine solo tackles.