Bearcats Edge Banana Slugs, 1-0

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

SANTA CRUZ, CALIF. -- Kimber Mattox (Fr., MF, Bend, OR/Cornell University) scored with 8:21 remaining in regulation to send Willamette University to a 1-0 victory over UC-Santa Cruz on Monday, Sept. 15. The Bearcats improved to 2-2 on the season, while UCSC dropped to 3-2-1. Willamette goalkeeper Kelli Gano (So., Portland, OR/Cleveland HS) registered three saves to record the shutout.

Mattox has scored in two of Willamette's last three games. She also netted a goal in WU's 3-1 loss at Cal State-East Bay on Friday (Sept. 12). Her accurate shot against UCSC was the difference against the Banana Slugs in a game that featured just five shots on goal between the two teams.

UC-Santa Cruz achieved a 12-7 edge in total shots and owned a slim 3-2 margin in shots on goal. Willamette finished with five corner kicks (four in the second half), compared to three corners (two in the final half) for UCSC.

Gano helped WU even its overall record, while lowering her goals against average to 1.01. Both of Willamette's wins this season have been 1-0 shutouts.

Mattox and Alex Batzer (So., MF, Medford, OR/North Medford HS) each registered one shot on goal for the Bearcats on Monday. For UC-Santa Cruz, Shelby Stillians, Karli Cowman and Alexandra Braun finished with one shot on goal. The Banana Slugs' goalie, Janneke Lang recorded one save.

Willamette will open Northwest Conference action this weekend with a pair of home games. The Bearcats will host Whitman College on Saturday, Sept. 20 at 12 p.m. (PDT). WU will take on Whitworth University on Sunday, Sept. 21, also at 12 p.m.