By Robert McKinney, Assistant Athletics Director, Communications

CLAREMONT, Calif. -- Pomona-Pitzer (Calif.) and Willamette University were tied 0-0 at halftime in the season opener for both teams on Friday, Sept. 1, but the Sagehens scored two goals in the second half to defeat the Bearcats, 2-0. Pomona-Pitzer moved to 1-0 on the season, while Willamette fell to 0-1.

The first half featured a total of seven shots -- one each by seven players -- with Willamette holding a 4-3 edge. None of the attempts required a save by Willamette starting goalkeeper Marco Gonzalez-Yanez (Jr., GK, Portland, OR/Central Catholic HS/U. of Portland) or Pomona-Pitzer starter Ben Mitchell.

Aidan Ferrer of Pomona-Pitzer broke the the scoreless tie when he successfully took a penalty kick at 48:24. Taylor Reifert added the second goal for the Sagehens at 65:54.

Pomona-Pitzer registered a 5-1 edge in total shots during the second half. Mack van der Velde (Fr., M, Voorhut, Neth./Summit HS, Bend, OR) took Willamette's only shot of the half at 72:41, but Mitchell earned a save on the play to preserve his shutout and the home team's two-goal lead. It was Mitchell's only save. Gonzalez-Yanez made one save for Willamette before he gave way to Quinn Nottage (Sr., GK, Portland, OR/Franklin HS) at 83:48.

For the game, the Sagehens recorded an 8-5 lead in total shots and a 3-1 margin in shots on goal. Ferrer and Reifert each took two shots for Pomona-Pitzer and were the only players on either team with more than one shot. The Bearcats earned a 6-3 margin in corner kicks, including 4-1 in the second half.

Willamette will continue its three-game trip to Southern California with a battle against Occidental College on Sunday, Sept. 3. Kickoff in Los Angeles, California, is set for 7 p.m. (PDT). The trip will conclude with a game against University of La Verne on Monday, Sept. 4 at 7 p.m. in La Verne, California.