Women's Soccer Shoots Past George Fox, 2-1

By Sara Elcano, Assistant Athletics Communications Director

SALEM, ORE. -- The Willamette University women's soccer team defeated George Fox University, 2-1, on Sunday, Sept. 26. Willamette improved to 3-5-0 overall and 2-2-0 in the Northwest Conference. George Fox fell to 2-4-2 overall and 1-3-0 in the NWC.

Stephanie Skelly (Jr., MF, Poulsbo, WA/North Kitsap HS) scored first for Willamette in the 14th minute. Skelly scored on a rebound from five yards out. She was assisted by Ariel Wilson (So., MF, Fort Collins, CO/Poudre HS) and Andrea Rowan (So., MF, Boise, ID/Timberline HS) on the play. It was Skelly's fourth goal of the season.

The Bearcats got their second goal from Rowan on another rebound. Rowan sent the follow shot toward the bottom right corner and scored. She was assisted by Maddy Grainger (So., F, Salt Lake City, UT/West HS). It was Rowan's first goal of her sophomore season.

Willamette maintained a 2-0 lead into the second half until Melanie Gaither scored an unassisted goal from five yards out in the 69th minute. Her goal brought George Fox to within one goal at 2-1 but the Bruins were unable to score again.

Senior Kelli Gano (GK, Portland, OR/Cleveland HS) played the first half in goal for the Bearcats. Freshman Nicole Price (Auburn, WA/Thomas Jefferson HS) was in goal for WU in the second half. Price made one save and allowed one goal.

Alyssa Montero picked up the loss in goal for George Fox. She allowed two goals and made two saves.

WU attempted 11 shots in the game and held the Bruins to just four shots. The Bearcats did not allow a shot in the first half of play.

Willamette is back in action on Saturday, Oct. 2 at home against Whitman College. The game will begin at 12 p.m. (PDT) at Sparks Field.