Pacific Lutheran Defeats Bearcats, 2-0, in NWC Women's Soccer

By Robert McKinney, Assistant Athletics Director, Communications

TACOMA, Wash. -- Goals from Machaela Graddy and Liz Griffith sent Pacific Lutheran University to a 2-0 victory over Willamette University in a Northwest Conference women's soccer game on Sunday, Oct. 22 at East Field. The Lutes, who led 1-0 at halftime, upped their record to 13-3 overall, 10-2 in the NWC. Willamette ended the day at 10-4-2 on the season, 7-4-1 in the NWC.

Graddy put the Lutes in front when she scored 16:50 into the game. Kaylie Rozell was credited with an assist on the play. Graddy took five shots in the first half, including the first three shots for either team. Her first shot went wide left at 9:40, then she scored the goal just over seven minutes later. Her third shot was a header went over the goal at 24:08.

Yume Matsuyama (So., Saitama, Japan/Bunkyo Gakuin Univ. Girls HS) had Willamette's only scoring chance of the first half, as the Lutes outshot WU 6-1 over the first 45 minutes. Matsuyama's shot at 30:17 forced a save from PLU goalie Natalie Robinson.

It was rainy and windy throughout the second half, but each team added four shots over the final 45 minutes. Pacific Lutheran finished the game with a 10-4 advantage in total shots and a 5-3 edge in shots on target.

Emmy Manset (Sr., F, Ventura, CA/Foothill Technology HS) of WU took the first two shots on the second half, an attempt that went wide right at 47:42 and an effort at 54:06 that was saved by Robinson. Manset also placed a shot on goal at 62:23 that made Robinson record another save.

Griffith scored at 75:23 for the Lutes to increase PLU's lead to 2-0. Kelsey Hathaway provided an assist for the Lutes.

Robinson recorded the shutout after earning three saves and playing all 90 minutes. Kristen Barclay (So., GK, Kenmore, WA/Cedar Park Christian School) of Willamette also played a complete game and made three saves for the Bearcats.

Graddy led PLU with five shots and was tied with Rachel Ross for the team lead with two shots on goal. Manset registered three shots, including two shots on goal, for Willamette.

The Bearcats will play a mid-week game at Lewis & Clark College on Wednesday, Oct. 25. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. (PDT).