Abraham Strikes Twice as Bearcats Rally Past Whitman 2-1

By Charlie McGuire, Athletics Communications Assistant

WALLA WALLA, Wash. – First-year forward Ella Abraham (Lexington, KY/Lafayette HS) scored twice in a span of just two minutes and 34 seconds to lead Willamette University past Whitman College, 2-1, on Saturday, Sept. 25.

Abraham struck with just under nine minutes remaining to pull the match even as the Bearcats countered with a beautiful attacking run after a Whitman corner was headed away by the defense. Abraham collected the ball on the right side of the penalty area and made a strong move to her left before putting the ball in the back of the net.

Just moments later Abraham tallied the game-winner, finishing on a well-place cross from classmate Emmerson Cooper (Fy., M, Boise, Idaho, Boise HS), who made a nice dodge in the corner and served the ball to a waiting Abraham.

Whitman capitalized on a corner with 10 minutes remaining in the first half to take a 1-0 lead as Lise Arrouye converted on the cross from Molly Beaulieu.

The Blues had the better run of play in the first half, outshooting the Bearcats 6-0 and holding a 3-1 advantage in corners. Whitman put five shots on target as Rachel Compton (So., GK, Lake Stevens, WA/Lake Stevens HS) came away with three saves before the break. The Bearcat defense also recorded a team save in the first period.

The Bearcats controlled the second half, allowing just two shots while producing eight on the offensive end of the field. They held a 5-3 edge in corners for the match as the teams traded a pair over the final 45 minutes.

The Bearcats improve to 3-4 overall and 2-1 in the Northwest Conference while Whitman slips to 0-6-1 and 0-4-0 on the year. Willamette travels to Spokane, Washington on Sunday, Sept. 26 to face Whitworth University at 12 noon (PDT).