Bearcats fall in NWC Championship

NEWBERG, Ore. — Willamette University fell to Whitman College 10–6 on Sunday at Austin Sports Complex. The Bearcats (8-10, 5-3) were unable to recover from a scoreless third quarter, despite a strong start that saw them net two goals in both the first and second quarters. Whitman (13-6, 7-1) capitalized with four goals in the third quarter, securing its lead.

The match began with both goalkeepers, Olivia Austin for Willamette and Renn Novak for Whitman, taking their positions. Whitman took the early lead with a player-up goal by Lola McConaghy at 10:30, capitalizing on a free position shot. The Bearcats responded quickly when Alex Warfel scored at 9:54 to level the score. The teams traded goals, with Whitman's Molly Labhart scoring off an assist from Sarah Hawkins at 8:09, followed by a free position goal by Claire Kisielnicki for Willamette at 5:43. Whitman regained the advantage with L. Pasena-Littlesky's free position goal at 1:41, concluding the first quarter with a narrow 3–2 lead over the Bearcats.

In a tightly contested second quarter, Whitman initially extended its lead with Ellie Milesi scoring a player-up goal at 12:01. The Bearcats responded swiftly, as Claire Kisielnicki found the net on a player-up free position shot at 10:53, leveling the score. The teams continued to exchange possession with several turnovers and defensive stops. As the quarter neared its end, Alex Warfel delivered a crucial equalizer for Willamette with just 12 seconds remaining, bringing the score to 4–4 at the break.

Whitman seized momentum early in the third quarter with a goal from Emily Odegaard at 8:58, assisted by Ellie Milesi. Lola McConaghy extended Whitman's lead with a goal at 8:18, assisted by L. Pasena-Littlesky. Whitman continued its scoring run with a free position goal by Serafin Miller at 7:07. Despite the Bearcats' attempts, including a free position shot by Alex Warfel at 6:04, Whitman's defense held firm, with Renn Novak making several key saves. Whitman capped the quarter with a last-minute goal by Ellie Milesi at 00:08, extending its lead to 8–4 at the end of the third quarter.

The final quarter saw Willamette and Whitman exchange goals in a tense matchup. The Bearcats' Brooklynn Pearl capitalized on a player-up situation to score at 8:08, narrowing the margin. Whitman responded when Lola McConaghy netted a goal assisted by Serafin Miller at 6:34. Despite a strong defensive effort, including a save by Olivia Austin, Whitman extended its lead further with a late goal by Grace Galanes at the 11-second mark. Willamette's Priya Mistry scored with 35 seconds left, assisted by Shelby Wilkinson, but Whitman held on for the win.