Bearcats Edge Past Pacific, 2-1, Improve to 3-1-1 in NWC

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

SALEM, ORE. -- Willamette University trailed 1-0, but scored twice before halftime and shut out visiting Pacific University in the second half, as the Bearcats defeated the Boxers, 2-1, on Saturday, Oct. 1. The win by the Bearcats at Sparks Field was a key early Northwest Conference result. Willamette improved to 3-1-1 in the NWC, while Pacific fell to 2-2-1 in the conference.

Willamette also moved to 4-4-1 on the season. The Boxers dropped to 5-3-1.

Pacific took the early lead on a shot by Kailee Green at 12:21. She scored on a volley off a corner kick. The score remained 1-0 as the game passed the 30th minute.

Things changed in less than two minutes as Willamette hit the net twice.

Sarah Desautels(Fr., F, Snohomish, WA/Glacier Park HS) scored on a header at 32:58 to tie the game. She was assisted by Sabine Wetzel (So., MF, Martinez, CA/Campolindo HS) on a cross from the right side of the field.

Just 1:28 later at 34:26, Stephanie Kruger (So., MF, West Linn, OR/West Linn HS) put Willamette in front on another header. This time the cross came from Ariel Wilson (Jr., MF, Fort Collins, CO/Poudre HS) near the right corner. Kruger's header sent the ball into the net near the left post.

Willamette took a 2-1 lead into the intermission. The Bearcats held a 5-2 advantage in total shots at the break.

Neither team scored in the second half despite earning a combined 16 shots. Willamette took 10 of the shots and placed six on target. Pacific had six shots in the final 45 minutes, including two shots on goal.

Pacific goalkeeper Brittany Hartman registered all six of her save in the second half. WU goalkeeper Gina Barbiere (Fr., Medford, OR/St. Mary's School) made two saves, both in the second half.

Willamette outshot the Boxers 15-8 overall and 8-3 in shots o goal. Pacific claimed a 7-5 edge in corner kicks.

The Bearcats will host George Fox University on Sunday, Oct. 2. Game time at Sparks Field is set for 12 p.m. (PDT).