Bearcats Fall Just Short in 8–7 OT Loss

NEWBERG, Ore. — Willamette University (4-8, 2-2 NWC) narrowly fell to George Fox University (10-3, 4-0 NWC) with a final score of 7–8 on Sunday at the Austin Sports Complex. Despite a strong fourth quarter where the Bearcats scored four goals, George Fox managed to secure the win with a decisive goal in overtime. The Bearcats' efforts included a player-up goal in the third quarter, contributing to their seven-goal total.

The opening quarter saw the Bearcats take an early lead against George Fox. Claire Kisielnicki scored the first goal at 10:25, assisted by Priya Mistry, after Ella Lassahn's crucial ground ball pickups. The Bearcats extended their lead to 2–0 when Mistry found the net at 2:31, capitalizing on George Fox's turnovers and fouls. Olivia Austin's three saves ensured a shutout for the Bearcats in the first quarter, as George Fox struggled to convert their opportunities.

The second quarter began with George Fox capitalizing on a player-down situation, as Merrick Gibson scored with assistance from Ava Bluhm at 14:32. The Bearcats struggled to maintain possession, with Brooklynn Pearl's turnover leading to a ground ball recovery by George Fox's Lana Davis. Shortly after, Bluhm netted a player-up goal, assisted by Davis, at 12:32, which tied the game. Despite several clear attempts and substitutions, the Bearcats' offense was unable to convert, with Alexandra Miller's shot saved by Gabrielle McClung, leaving the score tied 2–2 at the end of the quarter.

George Fox expanded its lead early in the third quarter with a free position goal by Davis at the 11:01 mark. Shortly after, Bluhm capitalized on an assist from Gibson to extend the advantage further. The Bearcats responded with a player-up goal by Miller, assisted by Kisielnicki, narrowing the gap. However, George Fox maintained control, with Sasha Thayer scoring on a late goal, assisted by Bluhm, securing a 5–3 lead at the end of the quarter.

The fourth quarter featured a dynamic exchange of goals between the teams, with the Bearcats scoring four times to even the score by the end. Alex Warfel initiated the scoring for the Bearcats with a goal at 13:02. George Fox's Bluhm responded with a goal at 11:37, assisted by Alli Stilp. The Bearcats managed to level the score again, with an unnamed player scoring at 7:36. Kisielnicki added another for the Bearcats at 5:17, but Bluhm scored again for George Fox at 4:29, assisted by Davis. Mistry, assisted by Kisielnicki, tied the game for the Bearcats at 1:14. The quarter ended with the score tied at 7–7, setting up a tense overtime.

In overtime, George Fox secured an early advantage with a goal by Davis, assisted by Thayer, at 4:24 on the clock. This goal proved decisive as it extended George Fox's lead to 8–7. Despite the efforts from the Bearcats, the period concluded without further scoring, cementing George Fox's narrow victory.

The Bearcats have a record of 4-8, 2-2 in the NWC. George Fox has a record of 10-3, 4-0 in the NWC.

The next challenge for the Bearcats is a home game against Whitman on Saturday, April 18 at 1 p.m. in Salem, Oregon.