Willamette Defeats Pacific Lutheran, 1-0, on Goal by Noelke

By Robert McKinney, Athletics Communications Director, (503) 370-6110

SALEM, ORE. -- Michelle Noelke (Fr., F, Edmonds, WA/Roosevelt HS) scored her third goal of the season just over 10 minutes into the game, and the Willamette University defense kept Pacific Lutheran University off the scoreboard for the second time this season, as the Bearcats shut out the Lutes, 1-0, at Sparks Field on Saturday, Nov. 3. Kelli Gano (Fr., Portland, OR/Grant HS) recorded her sixth shutout (4-0-2) to finish the year with a 0.89 goals against average.

Willamette concluded its season at 8-9-2 overall, including 7-7-2 in the Northwest Conference (5th place). Pacific Lutheran ended the year at 5-13-2, 4-11-1 in the NWC (7th place). Willamette started the season 1-4, but went 7-5-2 the rest of the way. The Bearcats were 4-1 in their last five games, losing only to Chapman, 1-0 in overtime, in a game that Willamette dominated statistically with a 21-5 edge in total shots.

The Bearcats also shut out PLU, 1-0, on Oct. 6 in Tacoma, Wash. Noelke scored the only goal in that game as well, on a shot at 48:59 that was assisted by Lauren Miller (Jr., F, Portland, OR/Grant HS/Northwestern State, La.).

In Saturday's rematch, Noelke hit the net at 10:11 on a shot from 12 yards out near the right post. She placed the shot into the lower left corner of the goal. Alex Batzer (Fr., MF, Medford, OR/North Medford HS) earned an assist on the play.

Pacific Lutheran achieved a 15-9 margin in total shots and ended the game with a 5-3 advantage in shots on goal. The Lutes were awarded three corner kicks, while the Bearcats credited with two corner kicks.

Gano earned five saves during the match, including three in the second half. PLU had a couple of quality chances, but one shot hit the side netting and another slid across the goal mouth following a deflection. Amanda Tschauner made two saves for PLU.

Willamette played solid defense throughout the game. The Bearcats, who shut out three opponents in their 4-1 run to end the season, played well in the midfield and allowed few unmarked chances for PLU's forwards.