By Robert McKinney, Assistant Athletics Director, Communications
SALEM, Ore. -- Willamette University competed in its first season of intercollegiate women's lacrosse this spring, but that didn't prevent the Bearcats from earning some exceptional school records. The Bearcats established some impressive stats on offense, defense and in goal.
On offense, Anabel Ohsman (So., ATT, Shohomish, WA/Glacier Peak HS) led the way. Her single game records for the Bearcats included nine goals and 10 points against the University of Dallas on March 24, and a total of 12 shots against Pacific University on April 20.
Overall, Oshman scored seven or more goals three times, while Miranda Piros (Fr., MID, Newberg, OR/Newberg HS) tallied seven goals once. A Bearcat earned five or more goals 10 times. Piros scored a school record three goals on free position shots against Whitworth University on April 6.
Willamette's record for shots in a game was set by Piros with 12 attempts against Pacific on March 30 in Salem before Ohsman equalled the mark against Pacific in Forest Grove, Oregon, about three weeks later. Willamette players took at least 10 shots a total of seven times during the season.
Ohsman and Piros also shared the record for shots on goal in one game. Ohsman took 11 shots in games at Dallas and Pacific, while Piros managed 11 shots against Pacific at home.
Emma Canchola (Fr., DEF, Oregon City OR/Oregon City HS), who was named First Team All-Northwest Conference, led the Willamette defense while setting single game records by winning 11 draw control versus Dallas and grabbing 10 ground balls in the first meeting with Pacific. Canchola registered five or more draw controls four times and earned at least six ground balls eight times.
Canchola and Bridget Blaney (Jr., DEF, Buffalo, WY/Buffalo HS) tied for a school record with six caused turnovers in a game. Canchola forced six turnovers against Whitworth on April 27, while Blaney forced six miscues against Pacific on March 30.
In goal, Kara Phillips (Sr., GK, Kirkland, WA/Lake Washington HS) provided a school record 16 saves against Linfield College on March 31. Phillips achieved 10 or more saves eight times during the season. She faced a record 42 shots against Whitman College on April 7.
Several of Willamette's season leaders also set impressive school records. Ohsman scored 46 goals on her way to 52 total points. She scored on 51.1% of her shots (46 of 90). Canchola led the Bearcats with 66 ground balls, 47 draw controls and 33 caused turnovers. Phillips provided the team with 138 saves.
In addition, Canchola ranked 45th in the nation in NCAA Division III in ground balls per game (4.13). Out of all players on the 281 teams in NCAA Division III, Canchola ranked 127th in caused turnovers per game (2.06). Phillips was 113th in saves per game (8.63) and was 124th with 138 saves on the season.