By Robert McKinney, Athletics Communications Director

SALEM, Ore. -- The Willamette University women's soccer team has won five consecutive matches to surge into first place in the Northwest Conference at 5-1 (15 points.) The Bearcats top the standings by three points over Pacific Lutheran University (4-1-1, 13 points) and by five points over University of Puget Sound (2-0-4, 10 points) and Linfield College (3-2-1, 10 points).

Willamette's string of victories has been achieved in part because of tremendous defense that has resulted in shutouts during all five wins. The streak began with a 2-0 win at Pacific Lutheran. Willamette returned home for a 2-0 victory over Whitman College, followed by a 1-0 win against Whitworth University. Last week, the Bearcats picked up a 3-0 triumph at George Fox University and a 1-0 win at Lewis & Clark College.

Including nearly sixty shutout minutes at the end of a 2-1 loss to Linfield, the Bearcats have gone 509 minutes and 56 seconds without allowing a goal.

Emily Sewall (Jr., GK, Petaluma, CA/Casa Grande HS) has played all put one game during that stretch and has four shutout wins for a total of five shutouts this season. Kelsey Walker (So., M/GK, Westerville, OH/Westerville North HS) filled in for Sewall against Whitworth, and also registered a shutout.

In addition to quality goalkeeping, the Bearcats have received strong play from its defenders. Leading the way is Jill Phillips (Sr., D/GK, Fairbanks, AK/West Valley HS) who provides tremendous skill and experience.

Also contributing on defense are Madelynn Ellis (Jr., D, Lake Oswego, OR/Lake Oswego HS), Meridith Greer (So., D, Beaverton, OR/Southridge HS), Jaclyn Parnell (Jr., D, West Richland, WA/Richland HS), Karmen Chavez-Sam (Fr., D, Eastvale, CA/Eleanor Roosevelt HS) and Rachel Fischer (Fr., D, Anchorage, AK/East Anchorage HS).

The offensive also has helped out during the string of wins. In the five games, Willamette has outscored its opponents 9-0.

Walker, while playing in the midfield, has scored four of those goals, including two against George Fox. Kinsey Keene (Jr., F, Eagle, ID/Eagle HS) has produced two goals and one assist. The Bearcats outshot their five opponents 81-45, including 45-21 in shots on goal.

"It's been a team effort with Emily stopping shots and making some big saves, and the defense doing a good job reducintg the number of shots Emily sees. We have focused on full-team defense, starting with the forwards ... with each line playing solid defense. I think that has allowed us to reduce shots and get shutouts," Head Coach Hillary Arthur said.

On Saturday, October 10, the Bearcats will return to action against Pacific University. Game time at Sparks Field on the Willamette campus is set for 12 p.m. (PDT).