Bearcats Shut Out Pirates to Move into Sole Possession of First Place in the NWC

By Robert McKinney, Assistant Athletics Director, Communications

SALEM, Ore. -- Lacey Jones (So., F, Portland, OR/David Douglas HS) and Gena Main (Jr., F, San Francisco, CA/Gateway HS/Bryn Mawr College) each scored a goal, and the Willamette University defense registered its seventh shutout of the season, as the Bearcats defeated Whitworth University, 2-0, in a Northwest Conference game on Saturday, Sept. 29. The Bearcats outshot the Pirates, 22-7, including 10-2 in shots on goal.

Willamette upped its record to 8-0-1 on the season, while Whitworth fell to 5-2-2. The teams entered the day tied for first place in the NWC. Willamette grabbed sole possession of first place at 4-0-1 and 13 points (3 for wins, 1 for ties). Pacific Lutheran University is now second in the NWC at 4-1-0 and 12 points. The Pirates slipped into a tie for third place with University of Puget Sound at 3-1-1 and 10 points.

"Today was all about executing our game plan and we did," Willamette Head Coach Hillary Arthur said. "I think we did a good job growing into the game and disrupting Whitworth's possession style of play, which isn't an easy thing to do. Whitworth is a disciplined team and accuracy in connecting on passes is one of their strong points. I'm proud of our effort today."

Jones put Willamette up 1-0 just 11:15 into the game, after receiving a corner kick from Rachael Moulton (Jr., D, Seattle, WA/Shorecrest HS). Jones kicked the ball into the lower right corner of the goal.

The Bearcats maintained their slim lead until 66:06, when Main scored for the second time in as many games. She was assisted on the play by Shanna Keil (Jr., F, Danville, CA/San Ramon Valley HS), who provided a through pass from the left side of the field. Six days earlier, Main scored the game-winning goal in Willamette's 2-1 victory over George Fox University.

Willamete outshot the Pirates 22-7 during the game, including a 15-5 margin in the second half. The Bearcats held a 10-2 advantage in shots on goal, with an 8-1 edge over the final 45 minutes. Wilamette also took seven corner kicks over the 90 minutes, while Whitworth finished with two corner kicks.

Kristen Barclay (Jr., GK, Kenmore, WA/Cedar Park Christian School) was called on for just two saves, as she lowered her goals against average to 0.38 with her fourth solo shutout. She also has been involved with three shared shutouts this season. Molly Webster made eight saves for the Pirates, including eight in the second half.

The Bearcats will take on Whitman College on Saturday, Sept. 30 in another NWC game at Sparks Field. Kickoff is set for 12 p.m. (PDT). The game will complete a season-opening stretch in which the Bearcats will have played nine of 10 games at home.