By Robert McKinney, Athletics Communications Director

SALEM, Ore. -- Willamette University scored on a goal by Kinsey Keene (Jr., M, Eagle, ID/Eagle HS) just 37 seconds into the game, and the Bearcats went on to defeat visiting Northwest Christian University, 2-0, in a women's soccer game on Thursday, Aug. 27 at Sparks Field. The game was an exhibition for the Bearcats, but counted for the Beacons, who fell to 0-3 on the season.

The game was barely underway when Keene struck to give WU a 1-0 lead. She shot from six yards out and placed the ball into the lower right corner. The goal was assisted by Veronica Ewers (Sr., M, Moscow, ID/Moscow HS) on a cross from the right side.

Willamette increased its lead to 2-0 at 30:05 when Ewers scored on an eight-yard shot following a pass from the left side by Marley Duncan (So., F, Pukalani, HI/Kamehameha School). The play began with a through pass in the midfield from Jill Phillips (Sr., M/GK, Fairbanks, AK/West Valley HS) to Duncan.

The Bearcats took their two-goal lead into halftime and continued to shut out Northwest Christian in the second half. WU goalkeeper Emily Sewall (Jr., GK, Petaluma, CA/Casa Grande HS) recorded five saves in the game, including three in the second half.

Two of her saves were exceptional stops. She pushed a well-struck shot over the crossbar for one of the key saves. She also made a diving save to her right that prevented a shot from reaching the goal line near the post.

Each team took 11 shots during the game. Willamette had seven shots on goal, while NCU finished with five shots on target. The Beacons' goalie, Kristin Fulbright, earned five saves.

The Bearcats will open the regular season on Tuesday, Sept. 1 against crosstown rival Corban University at Sparks Field. Game time is scheduled for 7 p.m. (PDT).