By Robert McKinney, Assistant Athletics Director, Communications
SALEM, Ore. -- Lacey Jones (So., F, Portland, OR/David Douglas HS) scored for Willamette University at 17:40 and the Bearcats kept their lead the rest of the game for a 1-0 win over Chapman University at Sparks Field on Saturday, Sept. 8. Willamette improved to 4-0 on the season with its fourth consecutive shutout this year and fifth straight shutout overall. Chapman fell to 2-3.
Jones scored on a shot from 15 yards over Chapman's on-rushing goalkeeper Kelsey Bland. The play started with a pass from the left side by Shanna Keil (Jr., F, Danville, CA/San Ramon Valley HS). It was the first goal of the season for Jones.
WU goalkeeper Kristen Barclay (Jr., GK, Kenmore, WA/Cedar Park Christian School) played all 90 minutes and recorded five saves, while improving to 4-0. Bland made one save for Chapman.
The Panthers outshot the Bearcats 13-9 overall and 6-2 in shots on goal, but the Willamette defense limited the number of quality chances created by Chapman. Most of the shots by the Panthers were from outside the penalty area, giving Barclay time to react.
Chapman's Daniela Bergerson took a shot at 31:22 that was cleared by Hannah Deighton (Jr., D, Long Beach, CA/Long Beach Polytechnic HS) of Willamette just before the ball reached the six-yard box. The next strong chance for the Panthers was at 81:38 on a blast by Rory Biles that was close but went wide right. Earlier in the second half, Chapman almost benefited from a pass by a Panther into the middle of the penalty area. The ball hit the ground and then bounced off two Bearcats before Barclay took control as it headed toward the goal.
Paige Murray (Fr., D, Olympia, WA/Capital HS) of Willamette had her shot blocked by a defender at 82:50. Deighton missed wide left for the Bearcats at 86:29.
The Panthers gained an 8-5 edge in corner kicks, including three in a row just over six minutes into the game. The third corner led to a header by Faith Holloway that went wide right. For Willamette, Keil almost scored directly off a corner kick at 55:37, but the ball narrowly passed the goal at the far post.
Willamette will be back in action on Wednesday, Sept. 12 when the Bearcats host Linfield College in the NWC opener for both teams. Game time is scheduled for 5 p.m. (PDT). The match-up with the Wildcats will complete the Bearcats' five-game opening homestand. Overall, Willamette will play nine of its first 10 games at Sparks Field.