Willamette Slips Past Lutes, 1-0

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

TACOMA, WASH. -- The Willamette University women's soccer team shut out Pacific Lutheran University, 1-0, on Saturday, Oct. 6 in Tacoma, Wash. Freshman forward Michelle Noelke, playing near her hometown of Edmonds, Wash. (Roosevelt HS), scored the game's only goal. Lauren Miller (Jr., F, Portland, OR/Grant HS/Northwestern State, La.) received an assist on the play, as the Bearcats broke a scoreless tie early in the second half at 48:59.

The Bearcats improved to 3-5-1 overall, including 2-4-1 in the NWC. Pacific Lutheran dropped to 2-7-2 on the season, 1-5-1 in the NWC.

Willamette goalkeeper Kelli Gano (Fr., Portland, OR/Cleveland HS) achieved five saves, while earning the shutout victory. It was Gano's first collegiate win in her second complete-game performance. In her first complete game, she played all 110 minutes in a 0-0 tie with Whitman College on Sept. 23.

PLU goalie Amanda Tschauner also played the entire game on Saturday. She was credited with six saves for the Lutes.

Both goalies were tested in the closing minutes. Gano recorded a save on a shot by PLU's Monica Beard with 2:36 remaining. Tschauner had to make a save on a shot by Alex Batzer (Fr., MF, Medford, OR/North Medford HS) with 28 seconds left.

The Lutes claimed a 13-12 advantage in total shots, but WU held a 7-5 lead in shots on goal. The Bearcats also held a 4-2 margin in corner kicks.

Miller took four of WU's shots, including one shot on goal. Batzer and Noelke contributed three shots apiece, with each providing two shots on goal.

Willamette returns to Salem, Ore., to take on Pacific University as part of Parents and Family Weekend on Sunday, Oct. 7. Game time is scheduled for 12 p.m. (PDT).