Whitman Nips Bearcats, 1-0, in NWC Opener

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

SALEM, ORE. -- Whitman College scored just over 15 minutes into the first half and the Missionaries went on to defeat Willamette University, 1-0, at Sparks Field on Saturday, Sept. 20, in the Northwest Conference opener for both teams. Whitman improved to 3-1 overall, 1-0 in the NWC. Willamette fell to 2-3 on the season, 0-1 in the NWC.

Amy Hasson tallied the game's only goal at 15:13 with an assist from Molly Gordon. Hasson scored from three yards out and put the ball into the right side-netting. The Missionaries were victorious despite taking just one shot on goal and having only five shots overall.

Willamette controlled much of the action and finished with 19 total shots and eight shots on goal. The Bearcats appeared to score following a corner kick early in the second half, but the goal was disallowed due to a foul on the play.

In addition to building a solid lead in shots, the Bearcats also registered nine corner kicks, including seven in the second half. Whitman recorded five corner kicks.

Lauren Miller (Sr., F, Portland, OR/Grant HS/Northwestern State, La.) blasted six of WU's shots and placed five of her attempts on target. As a team, Willamette took 14 of its shots in the second half, while limiting WC to just two shots in the final 45 minutes.

Whitman goalkeeper Courtney Porter made eight saves to earn the shutout win. She improved to 3-1 in the nets this season. Kelli Gano (So., GK, Portland, OR/Cleveland HS) took the loss for Willamette.

The Bearcats will return to action on Sunday, Sept. 21 against Whitworth University. Game time is slated for 12 p.m. (PDT).