By Robert McKinney, Assistant Athletics Director, Communications

SALEM, Ore. -- Shanna Keil (Fr., M, Danville, CA/San Ramon Valley HS) and Emmy Manset (Jr., F, Ventura, CA/Foothill Technology HS) scored goals in the second half to break a 0-0 tie, and Willamette University went on to defeat Whitman College 2-1 on Saturday, Oct. 22 at Sparks Field. The Bearcats outshot Whitman 22-8 during the game, including 6-2 in shots on goal.

Willamette moved above the .500 mark for the season at 7-6-2, and also improved to 4-5-2 in the Northwest Conference. Whitman dropped to 1-13-2 overall, 1-9-2 in the NWC.

The Bearcats gained a 10-5 advantage in shots during the first half, with a 3-1 margin in shots on goal. Whitman goalkeeper Haley Case earned three saves in the first half to keep the game scoreless.

All five of Whitman's shots in the first half were during the opening 19 minutes. The first four shots were not on goal, but Kristen Barclay (Fr., GK, Kenmore, WA/Cedar Park Christian School) of Willamette saved the fifth shot at 18:10.

Pagan Hetherington of Whtiman took the first shot of the second half, but the next six shots went to Willamette, ending with the goal by Keil at 60:41. Keil shot from 20 yards into the upper left corner of the net.

Willamette's offensive burst also included three shots by Kate Matthews (So., M, Bainbridge Island, WA/Bainbridge HS), plus one each by KayLyn Stirton (So., F, Cottonwood, CA/West Valley HS) and Amanda Fong (So., F, Kensington, CA/El Cerrito HS). Fong's shot was saved by Case at 56:42.

The Bearcats increased their lead to 2-0 on a shot by Manset at 72:48. She shot from 10 yards, sending the ball toward the upper left corner over the hands of Case. Liz Stewart (So., D/F, Sisters, OR/Sisters HS/Texas Christian University) earned an assist on the play. Manset is now tied for the team lead with three goals this season.

Whitman pulled within 2-1 on an own goal by the Bearcats at 78:13. The ball went in to the net on an attempted clearance. Willamette held Whitman without a shot the rest of the way. In addition, the Bearcats successfully defended a Whitman corner kick at 84:01.

Stewart and Matthews made significant contributions to the Bearcats on offense, as each finished with five total shots and one shot on goal. Four other Bearcats each recorded two shots, including Keil, who placed both shots on target. Hetherington and Renee van Bergeijk led Whitman with three total shots apiece.

Case achieved four saves during the game. Barclay's save in the first half was her only save of the game, as she improved to 5-2-1 on the season.

Willamette will play another NWC home game on Sunday (Oct. 23), when the Bearcats host Whitworth University. Game time is scheduled for 12 p.m. (PDT).