By Robert McKinney, Athletics Communications Director
SALEM, Ore. -- Willamette University and University of Puget Sound battled each other for 110 minutes in women's soccer on Saturday, Oct. 1 at Sparks Field before the game ended in a 0-0 tie, as each team picked up one point in the Northwest Conference standings. It was a quality result for the Bearcats, who gave the Loggers their first non-win in the NWC and just their second non-win of the season.
In this week's NCAA Division III Poll released by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA), Puget Sound received a point but was not listed in the Top 25.
With Saturday's tie, the Bearcats moved to 4-4-1 on the season, 1-3-1 in the NWC (4 points). The Loggers ended the game with a 7-1-1 overall record, including 4-0-1 in the NWC (13 points).
The tie was Willamette's first win or tie against Puget Sound since Oct. 23, 2011, when the Bearcats won 2-1 at Sparks Field. In that game, Stephanie Skelly ('12) scored the winning goal for WU with 21 seconds left in regulation.
In Saturday's match-up, Willamette goalkeeper Emily Sewall (Sr., GK, Petaluma, CA/Casa Grande HS) registered four saves -- three in the second half and one in the second overtime -- to earn her first solo shutout of the season. She also has two combined shutouts with fellow goalie Kristen Barclay (Fr., GK, Kenmore, WA/Cedar Park Christian School).
Lauren Thomas of Puget Sound provided the Loggers with one save. It was her fifth shutout of the year.
The Loggers gained a 9-6 edge in total shots, including a 4-2 margin in shots on goal. The Bearcats achieved a 5-1 advantage in corner kicks. Even with a limited number of total shots there were a few close chances.
Liz Stewart (So., D/F, Sisters, OR/Sisters HS/Texas Christian University) of Willamette placed an 8-yard header toward the goal at 37:58 on a corner kick. Thomas deflected the shot, before a defender headed it away as the ball approached the goal line.
Early in the second half, Willamette's Kate Matthews (So., M, Bainbridge Island, WA/Bainbridge HS) took a shot that just missed wide right.
Late in regulation, the Bearcats narrowly missed scoring when a cross from the far right side by Marley Duncan (Jr., F, Pukalani, HI/Kamehameha School) eluded Emmy Manset (Jr., F, Ventura, CA/Foothill Technology HS) very close to the left post. The ball outside the goal and hit the side netting.
The Bearcats controlled the ball for most of the first overtime. In the second overtime, Puget Sound gained a bit more possession, but each team had one shot. Willamette's shot was by Hannah Deighton (Fr., M, Long Beach, CA/Long Beach Polytechnic HS) at 103:19. The ball went wide right.
The Loggers' shot in the second overtime was on a free kick from 33 yards out at 108:20. Emma Donckels shot directly toward the net, forcing Sewall to make a save. Sewall deflected the ball to her right and a WU defender prevented a follow shot.
Willamette will remain at home to take on Pacific Lutheran University on Sunday, Oct. 2. Kickoff is set for 12 p.m. (PDT). Pacific Lutheran is ranked 17th in this week's NCAA Division III Poll by the NSCAA.