Bearcats qualify for NWC tournament

McMINNVILLE, Ore. — Willamette University (7-9, 5-3) secured a decisive 14-7 victory against Linfield University (5-11, 3-5) on Sunday at the LIN Lax Complex. The Bearcats' offense was bolstered by five player-up goals and a strong third quarter where they scored six times. Linfield managed to find the net twice in the fourth quarter but was unable to close the gap.

The game commenced with Olivia Austin and Tenley Hodge taking positions as goalies for the Bearcats and Linfield, respectively. Linfield opened the scoring with Savannah Irwin finding the net at 12:49, assisted by Evelyn Cross. The Bearcats responded with Alexandra Miller's goal at 11:41, assisted by Priya Mistry, leveling the score. The quarter saw back-and-forth action, including a goal by Claire Kisielnicki with a player-up advantage at 4:29, assisted by Brooklynn Pearl. Mistry then scored twice in quick succession with goals at 3:12 and 3:02, increasing the Bearcats' lead. Linfield's Gabby Crist managed to score at 1:55, narrowing the gap. Kisielnicki capped the quarter with a free position goal at 0:38, giving the Bearcats a 5-3 lead at the end of the first quarter.

Shelby Wilkinson capitalized on a player-up opportunity with a free position goal at 12:38, marking her 23rd goal of the season and pushing the Bearcats' lead to 7-3. Alex Warfel added to the momentum with a goal at 9:28, bringing her season total to 29 goals. Linfield responded late in the quarter when Crist scored her 43rd goal of the season with just 28 seconds remaining, narrowing the gap to 7-4. Both teams demonstrated strong defensive efforts, with multiple caused turnovers and saves throughout the quarter.

Linfield opened the third quarter with a goal by Heidi Schaefer at 12:08, assisted by Crist, narrowing the gap. The Bearcats responded swiftly, with Pearl scoring at 8:40 and Kisielnicki adding two consecutive goals, including a player-up goal at 7:00, which extended the Bearcats' lead to 10-5. Warfel's prowess in draw controls facilitated the Bearcats' offensive momentum. Kisielnicki scored again with a free position shot at 2:36, followed by goals from Wilkinson and Mistry, closing the quarter with a commanding 13-5 lead for the Bearcats.

Linfield managed to close the gap in the fourth quarter with two quick goals. Apple Riso scored at 7:44 with assistance from Crist, followed by Crist's own goal from a free position shot at 6:19. Despite Linfield's push, the Bearcats maintained their lead, ending the quarter with a goal by Pearl in the final second, bringing her season total to nine. The quarter concluded with the Bearcats leading 14-7.