Rodriguez-De La Torre Scores First Goal for Bearcats, but Whitworth Wins 2-1

By Robert McKinney, Assistant Athletics Director, Communications

SALEM, Ore. -- Natalie Rodriguez-De La Torre (Fy., F/M, Burien, WA/Holy Names HS) scored the first goal of the game -- her first collegiate goal -- for Willamette University, but Whitworth University rallied by scoring two goals to defeat the Bearcats, 2-1, in a Northwest Conference game at Sparks Field on Saturday, Sept. 30.

Rodriguez-De La Torre sent the ball into the net from 10 yards at 21:45, as she placed her shot near the lower right corner. She received a long pass from near the midfield stripe by Sophie Cleland (Sr., M, Eugene, OR/North Eugene HS) on a counter-attack. Cleland earned an assist on the play.

The Pirates tied the game at 1-1 on a goal by Lily Parker about seven minutes later at 28:48. Addison Dizard began the play by taking a free kick from the left side and about 20 yards from the end line. She sent the ball into the 18-yard box, where it deflected off Parker's shoulder as she attempted a header seven yards from the goal. The ball went into the net.

Whitworth gained the lead in the second half at 69:30. Baylee Trejo shot from six yards into an empty net after stealing the ball from Willamette goalkeeper Siera Edwards (So., GK, Portland, OR/Sunset HS) nine yards from the goal.

Tessa Fisher (Fy., M, Keizer, OR/McNary HS) of Willamette took a shot just 29 seconds after the goal, but Whitworth netminder Kate Nelson registered a save on the play. Nelson finished with two saves for the Pirates

Edwards made 10 saves for Willamette, including several on strong shots where she did not allow a rebound. Whitworth held a 17-7 advantage in total shots and a 12-3 edge in shots on goal. Laura Pierson of Whitworth led all players with three total shots. Pierson and teammate Caity Rathbun both recorded two shots on target. Each team had just one corner kick -- both in the first half.

Whitworth improved to 2-4-3 overall, 2-3-0 in the NWC. Willamette dropped to 0-6-2 on the season, 0-3-1 in the NWC.

The Bearcats will take on Whitman College at Sparks Field on Sunday (Oct. 1). Game time is set for 12 p.m. PDT.