Willamette Wins 1-0 at Lewis & Clark for Fifth Straight Shutout

By Robert McKinney, Athletics Communications Director

PORTLAND, Ore. -- The Willamette University Bearcats recorded their fifth consecutive shutout win and improved to 5-1 in the Northwest Conference with a 1-0 victory at Lewis & Clark College in women's soccer on Sunday, Oct. 4. Willamette advanced its overall record to 5-4-1, while L&C dropped to 6-4-0, including 2-4 in the NWC.

Kelsey Walker (So., M/GK, Westerville, OH/Westerville North HS) scored the game's only goal at 12:05. After a long pass was sent into the penalty area, Walker deflected the ball into the net while battling L&C starting goalkeeper Kelley Koeppen for possession in the air.

Walker has scored four goals in the last three games she has played as a midfielder. In addition, she played in goal for all 90 minutes in Willamette's 1-0 win over Whitworth University on Sept. 27.

Goalkeeper Emily Sewall (Jr., Petaluma, CA/Casa Grande HS) of Willamette, who returned to action on Saturday, Oct. 3 in a 3-0 victory at George Fox, recorded three saves against the Pioneers on Sunday to claim her fifth shutout of the season.

Willamette outshot the Pioneers 10-9 overall and 5-3 in shots on goal. Koeppen made one save for L&C in the first half. Sandra Alvarenga played in goal for the Pioneers in the second half and registered three saves.

L&C had a several good chances to score, but the Pioneers were unable to tie the Bearcats.

At 35:33, Kylie Carera took a shot from 25 yards that hit the crossbar. Early in the second half at 47:39, a restart from 18 yards on the right side of the field led to a quality chance for Emily Thompson, who redirected the ball just wide of the left post from a few yards out. At 70:53 a shot by Isobel Fikso near the left post was saved by Sewall following a corner kick.

Willamette also created chances to score. A shot by Emma Sanders (Jr., M, Kennewick, WA/Southridge HS) forced Alvarenga to make a save at 49:35. Alvarenga also made saves at 66:20 on a shot by Madelynn Ellis (Jr., D, Lake Oswego, OR/Lake Oswego HS) and at 74:37 on a shot by Walker.

Lewis & Clark achieved a 6-2 advantage in corner kicks. All six of L&C's corners were in the second half, while WU gained one corner kick in each half.

Willamette will host Pacific University at Sparks Field on Saturday, Oct. 10. Game time is scheduled for 12 p.m. (PDT).