Bearcats Dominate Pacific Lutheran

SALEM, Ore. — Willamette University (3-7, 1-1) dominated Pacific Lutheran University (2-8, 0-2) with a decisive 20-1 victory on Saturday at Sparks Field. The Bearcats' offense was efficient, scoring five goals in the first quarter and adding seven more in the second. The team's defense held Pacific Lutheran to just three shots on goal throughout the game. The Bearcats capitalized on player-up opportunities, netting four goals in those situations.

Willamette opened the first quarter with a strong offensive display against Pacific Lutheran, culminating in a 5-0 lead by the end of the quarter. Claire Kisielnicki initiated the scoring at 12:54, assisted by Priya Mistry, and added another goal at 10:45. Sophie Cendejas capitalized on a player-up opportunity at 9:18, while Priya Mistry scored twice, with her second goal coming at 0:58. The Bearcats' defense, aided by caused turnovers by players like Danica Doskocil, kept Pacific Lutheran scoreless throughout the quarter.

Willamette extended its lead significantly in the second quarter with a series of impactful goals. Priya Mistry opened the scoring just 26 seconds in, assisted by Alex Warfel, marking her 24th goal of the season. Sophie Cendejas added another goal at 13:14, assisted by Shelby Wilkinson. The Bearcats capitalized on a player-up opportunity when Warfel scored at 10:27, bringing the home team's total to 8. Shelby Wilkinson and Claire Kisielnicki continued the scoring momentum with goals at 7:01 and 2:36, respectively, both benefiting from assists. Warfel found the net again at 1:33 with a free position goal, and Mistry closed the quarter with another goal at 0:46, assisted by Alexandra Miller. The Bearcats concluded the quarter with a commanding 12-1 lead over Pacific Lutheran.

Willamette extended its lead significantly in the third quarter, scoring four unanswered goals. Claire Kisielnicki opened the quarter's scoring with a goal at 13:07, marking her 20th of the season. Alex Warfel followed with a goal at the 6:03 mark, her 17th of the season, and also controlled the draw immediately after. Sophie Cendejas scored with 4:41 remaining, assisted by Kisielnicki, while Shelby Wilkinson added a goal at 3:03, assisted by Priya Mistry. The defensive efforts were punctuated by several caused turnovers by the Bearcats, maintaining their dominant performance against Pacific Lutheran.

Willamette secured a commanding victory over Pacific Lutheran with a strong showing in the fourth quarter. Alexandra Miller opened the scoring at 8:18, marking her seventh goal of the season. Priya Mistry then added to her impressive season tally with goals at 5:02 and 0:18, bringing her total to 27. Alex Warfel also contributed to the scoring with a goal at 3:34, assisted by Mistry. The Bearcats' defense remained solid, forcing multiple caused turnovers and limiting Pacific Lutheran's scoring opportunities in the quarter.

Looking ahead, the Bearcats will face Puget Sound on Sunday, April 5, at 1 p.m. The game will take place in Salem, Oregon, with Willamette as the home team.