Bearcats Fall to CMS Despite Offensive Efforts

CLAREMONT, Calif. — Willamette University fell to Claremont-Mudd-Scripps 22–6 on Wednesday at Zinda Field. The Bearcats' effort was highlighted by a player-up goal in the third quarter, contributing to their total of six goals. CMS, with a commanding performance, maintained a strong lead throughout the game. Willamette (2-5) struggled to contain the offensive barrage of CMS (6-3), who recorded 22 goals and 14 assists.

The game began with CMS taking control early, as Julia Ryan secured the initial draw control and scored the first goal at 14:26 through a free position shot. CMS continued its offensive momentum with Ella Seidel scoring at 14:02 and Amelia Ulmer adding another goal at 11:11, assisted by Grace Minturn. Despite several saves by the Bearcats' goalie Olivia Austin, CMS extended its lead with goals by Cate Lewison at 09:47 and Ella Brown at 07:54, assisted by Ruby Maki. The first quarter concluded with CMS dominating, as Kaia Scott and Grace Minturn each scored free position goals, with Minturn netting two, closing the quarter 8–0 in favor of CMS.

Claire Kisielnicki scored early in the second quarter for the Bearcats, marking her ninth goal of the season. However, CMS responded swiftly with Maya Mihara scoring at 10:08, assisted by Minturn. Minturn continued to influence the game by adding a player-up goal at 9:15. CMS capitalized on the advantage again with a goal from Kate Larson at 8:26, assisted by Rylie Hack. Kisielnicki added her second goal at 4:40, but Mihara completed her hat trick with a goal at 3:10, again assisted by Hack. CMS ended the quarter with a 13–2 lead.

CMS extended its lead early in the third quarter with a goal by Brown at 14:37, assisted by Ava Goldson, marking Brown's 17th of the season. Seidel furthered the advantage with a goal at 9:35, assisted by Brown, before Eleanor Shen scored on a free position shot at 6:29. The Bearcats responded with a goal from Alexandra Miller at 8:07 and added another by Catie Mohr at 00:21, assisted by Priya Mistry, during a player-up opportunity. Despite the Bearcats' efforts, CMS held a strong lead at the end of the quarter, with a score of 17–4.

CMS extended its lead early in the fourth quarter with two goals from Brown, assisted by Minturn and Lewison, at 14:13 and 12:33, respectively. The Bearcats responded with a free position goal by Mistry at 8:19, bringing their total to five. Despite the Bearcats' efforts, including another goal by Mistry at 3:05, CMS maintained control with additional goals from Larson and Ulmer. The quarter concluded with a free position goal by Lewison, sealing an 18–6 victory for CMS.

Looking ahead, the Bearcats will face Oberlin at home on Saturday, March 28. The competition is set to begin at 4 p.m. in Salem, Oregon.