By Robert McKinney, Assistant Athletics Director, Communications
SALEM, Ore. -- Miranda Piros (So., ATT/MID, Newberg, OR/Newberg HS) scored six goals and Catie Kawamura (Fy., MID, San Diego, CA/San Diego International Studies) poured in five goals, as Willamette University defeated the University of Puget Sound, 15-7, in the Northwest Conference opener for both teams, on Saturday, March 7 at Baker Stadium. Willamette led 9-1 at halftime and stayed in front by at least seven goals throughout the second half.
The Bearcats improved to 1-1 on the season, 1-0 in the NWC. Puget Sound slipped to 1-1 overall, 1-1 in the NWC.
"Our transition and draw game were not where we wanted them to be, or what we had hoped to showcase today, but overall it was a team win. We had six different attackers put up points, and our defensive unit and goalies worked cohesively to regain possession. We are happy to celebrate today's successes, but we look to grow from this experience and put together a cleaner game moving forward."
— Willamette Head Coach Sarah Lautenbach
Kawamura scored the game's first three goals in the opening six minutes of action. She hit the net with the first goal just 1:09 after the initial draw control and with 28:51 left in the half. She scored again at 25:50 and registered her third goal at 24:23.
Piros tallied her first goal at 22:45 to give the Bearcats a 4-0 lead. Kawamura scored again at 19:50, and Alayna Newland (Jr., ATT, Everett, WA/Archbishop Murphy HS) added a score at the 12:49 mark, to increase Willamette's advantage to 6-0.
Emily La Riviere, who earned three goals during the game, put the Loggers on the scoreboard with 11:12 remaining in the first half. WU recorded the final three goals of the half, as Kawamura scored her fifth goal at 7:33, Piros put in a shot with 5:37 on the clock, and Lexie Andrade (So., ATT, Petaluma, CA/Casa Grande HS) scored with 41 seconds left.
Isabel Rider recorded a goal for Puget Sound early in the second half with 28:03 to go. The Bearcats answered with goals by Maddie Garcia (Fy., MID, Encinitas, CA/San Diegito Acsademy) at 26:36 and by Piros at 21:47 to build an 11-2 lead. The Loggers got as close as 11-4 with 20:50 left in the game, following two quick goals by La Riviere and by Lauren Mastin. Piros scored next with 19:58 to go.
Puget Sound also pulled within seven goals at 13-6 with 11:40 remaining, but couldn't get closer, as Piros completed her six-goal performance with scores at 9:23 and 4:40. Anabel Ohsman (Jr., ATT/MID, Shohomish, WA/Glacier Peak HS) assisted on the final goal by Piros for Willamette's only assist.
Willamette outshot Puget Sound, 17-10, in the first half, but both team finished the game with 27 shots. The Bearcats held a 24-21 margin in shots on goal. WU also owned a slim 19-18 lad in ground balls, while Puget Sound claimed a 15-9 edge in draw controls.
Goallkeeper Katie Hill (Fy., GK, Belmont, CA/Carmont HS), who started for Willamette, played the first 30 minutes and recorded five saves. Shelby Sawyer (Fy., Marysville, WA/Bio Med Academy) played the final 30 minutes for the Bearcsats and easrned nine saves. Puget Sound goalie Olivia Almy played all 60 minutes and was credited with nine saves.
The Bearcats will host Pacific University in a Northwest Conference game on Sunday, March 8. Game time at Sparks Field is scheduled for 1 p.m. (PDT).
