By Robert McKinney, Assistant Athletics Director, Communications

TACOMA, Wash. -- Willamette University tallied three goals in the first 26 minutes, including two goals in just over eight minutes to start the game, and the Bearcats went on to defeat Colorado College, 4-1, in the regular season opener for both teams on Thursday, Sept. 1. Jett Starr (Jr., F, Portland, OR/Cleveland HS) led the Bearcats with two goals and an assist. Pierce Gallaway (Sr., M, Carmel, CA/Carmel HS) tacked on a goal and an assist, while Sean Kim (Jr., F, Sunnyvale, CA/Homestead HS) scored one goal. WU moved to 1-0 on the season, while the Tigers fell to 0-1.

The game was played at Pacific Lutheran University as part of a three-game trip by Colorado College to the Tacoma area. The Tigers will play the University of Puget Sound on Saturday, Sept. 3 and will take on Pacific Lutheran on Monday, Sept. 5.

Willamette took charge early in the game, with Kim hitting the net just 1:21 into the contest. Starr earned an assist on the play. The Bearcats expanded their lead to 2-0 when Starr scored his first goal of the game at the 8:16 mark after receiving a pass from Gallaway.

Gallaway scored an unassisted goal at 25:48, increasing WU's advantage to 3-0. Colorado College pulled within 3-1 shortly before halftime when Alexander Ward converted a penalty kick.

The Bearcats outshot the Tigers 7-2 in the first half, including a 3-2 margin in shots on goal. Kim and Luke Varav (So., M, Newbury Park, CA/Newbury Park HS) each took two shots for Willamette during the opening 45 minutes.

Willamette remained in front by two goals until Starr recorded his second goal of the game at 80:50 for a 4-1 lead. Starr was assisted on the goal by Krisna LaFrance (So., F, Seattle, WA./Ballard HS). Colorado College gained a 7-6 edge in total shots over the last 45 minutes of play, but the Tigers were unable to get a shot past WU goalkeeper Pierluca Carnovale (Jr., GK, Seattle, WA/Ballard HS). Carnovale made three of his four saves in the second half.

Overall, the Bearcats held a 13-9 margin in total shots, but the Tigers ended the game with a 5-4 lead in shots on target. Starr, Kim, and Varav all took three shots for Willamette. Ward topped CC with four shots, including three shots on goal.

Up next for Willamette is a home game at Sparks Field on Friday, Sept. 9 against Claremont-Mudd-Scripps (Calif.). Game time is set for 8 p.m. (PDT).