Pacific Lutheran Defeats Bearcats, 3-1

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

SALEM, ORE. -- Pacific Lutheran University scored two goals in just 42 seconds early in the second half to build a 3-0 lead and held off Willamette University for a 3-1 win at Sparks Field on Saturday, Nov. 1. PLU upped its record to 4-9-3 overall, 3-8-2 in the Northwest Conference. Willamette dropped to 10-7 on the season, 8-5 in the NWC.

Willamette had an excellent chance to take an early lead, when senior forward Emily Gross (Medford, OR/North Medford HS) received a pass near the top of the penalty area with her back toward the PLU goal. Gross turned to her right, faced the goal and launched a low shot toward the right post. PLU goalie Kamryn Morgan deflected the shot from about five yards out. The ball continued toward goal, but hit the right upright.

The only goal of the first half was score by Amanda Crawford of Pacific Lutheran at 34:25. She scored on a shot from five yards into the right corner. She received a through pass from the top of the box by Karin Hatch, who earned an assist on the play.

Willamette put all four of its first half shots on target, but Morgan recorded four saves. Pacific Lutheran took seven shots in the first half, but placed only three on goal.

A total of three goals were scored in less than a two-minute span early in the second half. PLU started the scoring burst with a goal by Hatch at 49:42. She put the ball into the net on a three-yard header after taking a pass from Karli Hurlbut. The Lutes hit the net again at 50:24 on a shot by Courtney Walker, assisted by Crawford. Walker shot from 23 yards into the upper left corner of the goal.

Samantha Post (Sr., D/MF, Philomath, OR/Philomath HS) scored Willamette's goal just 1:10 later at 51:34 on a corner kick play. Kelsey Rogel took the corner kick and sent the ball toward the far post. Alex Batzer head the ball down and across the goal. Post finished the play with a tap-in.

Statistics for the game were nearly even. PLU achieved a 12-11 edge in total shots and a 7-6 margin in shots on goal. The Lutes also owned a slim 4-3 advantage in corner kicks. WU was called for 15 fouls and the Lutes were whistled for 14.

Morgan made five saves for the Lutes. Kelli Gano (So., GK, Portland, OR/Cleveland HS) earned four saves for the Bearcats.

Willamette will play a road game against Pacific University on Sunday, Nov. 1. Game time in Forest Grove, Ore., is set for 11 a.m. (PST).