Whitworth Defeats Bearcats, 2-1, in Women's Soccer

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

SALEM, ORE. -- Whitworth University defeated Willamette University, 2-1, in a Northwest Conference women's soccer game at Sparks Field on Saturday, Oct. 31. Whitworth moved to 14-3 overall, 11-2 in the NWC. Willamette went to 8-8-1 overall, 7-6 in the NWC.

The Pirates recorded the game's first goal 4:02 into the contest. Lindsey Oakes earned the goal on a free kick from 26 yards out on the left side. Her shot went to the lower left corner of the goal as WU goalie Jill Schneeman (So., Burien, WA/Mount Rainier HS) dove on the play.

Whitworth added an insurance goal at 74:30. Jenny Krzymowski was the goal scorer on a shot from near the right post into the middle of the net. Krzymowski was assisted by Lindsey Oakes, who started the play with a corner kick.

Alex Batzer (Jr., Medford, OR/North Medford HS) scored Willamette's only goal at 88:50. It was her third goal of the season. She chipped the ball into the upper left portion of the net from about 12 yards out.

Willamette also appeared to put in a goal early in the second half with Whitworth leading 1-0. The play was on a corner kick for the Bearcats just over two minutes into the second period.

Haley Rosenthal (Sr., MF, Cheyenne, WY/Cheyenne East HS) took the corner. Andrea Rowan (Fr., MF, Boise, ID/Timberline HS) of Willamette headed the ball down from just inside the 6-yard box at 47:17. The shot appeared to be on its way into the net, but officials ruled that Whitworth goalkeeper Callie Bergstrom was able to knock the ball away before it fully crossed the goal line. Willamette disagreed with the call, but Whitworth remained in front.

Whitworth concluded the game with 10 total shots, including four shots on goal. The Bearcats took nine shots, with five shots on goal.

Schneeman achieved two saves for Willamette in the first half. Kelli Gano (Jr., GK, Portland, OR/Cleveland HS) played the final 45 minutes for the Bearcats. Bergstrom played all 90 minutes for Whitworth and earned four saves.

The Bearcats will remain at home to take on Whitman College in a Northwest Conference game on Sunday, Nov. 1. Kickoff is scheduled for 11 a.m. (PST). Willamette will honors its seniors prior to the game.