Pacific Scores Early in 4-2 Win over Willamette

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

SALEM, ORE. -- Pacific University scored three early goals, helping the Boxers defeat Willamette University, 4-2, in a Northwest Conference women's soccer game on Saturday, Oct. 12 at Sparks Field. McKenna Davidson scored goals for the Boxers just 2:55 and 4:20 into the game.

With the win, Pacific improved to 7-2-2 overall, 4-2-1 in the NWC. Willamette fell to 2-9-0 overall, 0-7-0 in the NWC.

The Boxers added a third goal at 11:19 and led 4-0 at halftime. Willamette scored twice in the final 10 minutes of the game, with Kinsey Keene (Fr., MF, Eagle, ID/Eagle HS) earning both goals. McKenzie Andringa (So., D, Yakima, WA/La Salle HS) provided assists on both of Willamette's goals.

Davidson's first goal was on a shot from 6 yards that went off WU goalkeeper Nicole Price (Sr., Auburn, WA/Thomas Jefferson HS) as she dived to make a save. The goal was set up by Kara Lankey on a cross from the left side near the end line.

Just 1:25 later, Davidson added her second goal. She made an individual run toward the goal and shot from just a few yards out.

Pacific's third goal was scored by Kamryn Plechot. The play began with a free kick by Taylor Gillespie, whose shot was deflected by Price. Plechot received the rebound and shot from 14 yards. The ball hit the middle of the crossbar, bounced down and went into the net near the right post.

The final goal for the Boxers began with a bit of luck. A pass by one of the Boxers about 30 yards from goal, ricocheted off a Willamette defender and zoomed toward the Willamette goal. Price charged out as Lankey ran toward the ball. Lankey reached the ball just before Price, and was able to shoot into the net from 11 yards.

Willamette trailed 4-0 at halftime, but the Bearcats played well in the second half. WU earned a 5-2 advantage in total shots during the final 45 minutes, including a 3-1 edge in shots on goal.

The Bearcats ended the shutout at 80:55 on Keene's first goal. She scored on a header from the left post that bounced into the goal near the right post. Andringa provided a quality crossing pass from the right side on the play after dribbling and beating a defender to the end line.

Keene's second goal was scored at 86:49 and was nearly a copy of the first goal except the crossing pass from Andringa fell at Keene's feet near the left post. Keene tapped the ball into the net.

Willamette finished with an overall margin of 9-7 in total shots, although Pacific ended the game with a 6-4 edge in shots on goal. The Boxers also attained a 5-3 advantage in corner kicks.

Each team used two goalkeepers, and all four goalies registered one assist. Price and Liberty Siegle (So., GK, Springfield, OR/Springfield HS) each played 45 minutes for the Bearcats. Pacific starter Kayla Davidson played 74:23 and was the winning goalie. Megan Green played the final 15:37 for the Boxers.

The game was part of Willamette's Family Weekend, which will continue on Sunday, Oct. 13, when the Bearcats host Pacific Lutheran University. Kickoff is set for 12 p.m. (PDT) at Sparks Field.