By Robert McKinney, Assistant Athletics Director, Communications
TACOMA, Wash. -- Pacific Lutheran University defeated Willamette University 2-0 in a Northwest Conference women's soccer game on Sunday, Oct. 31. The Lutes moved their record to 16-2 on the season, 12-2 in the NWC. Willamette goalkeeper Jordan Roue (Sr., GK, San Jose, CA/Prospect HS) made things difficult for PLU by earning six saves. The Bearcats fell to 5-13 overall, 4-10 in the NWC.
The Lutes grabbed a 1-0 lead at 27:05 on a goal by Ashlee Gormley, as she slotted the ball past Roue. Alyssa Jordan set up the play with a pass from the top of the penalty area.
WU remained within one goal of PLU until the Lutes tallied their second goal about seven minutes into the second half. Joelle Buck on a header at the far post following a swerving corner kick taken by Ellie Reardon.
Pacific Lutheran achieved a 20-3 advantage in total shots and an 8-1 edge in shots on goal. Gormley led all players with four shots, including two shots on target. Kimber Thomas took three shots for the Lutes, while Vera Panescu-Reich was credited with two shots on goal.
Emma Blackburn (Sr., F, Los Altos, CA/Saint Francis HS) was one of three Bearcats who created a shot against the Lutes. Blackburn's shot was taken at 74:53 and was saved by PLU goalie Shaylin Cesar. The six saves by Roue for Willamette included four saves in the second half.
The Bearcats will close out the season with home games on Saturday, Nov. 6 and Sunday, Nov. 7. On Saturday, WU will take on Lewis & Clark College at Sparks Field at 11 a.m. (PDT). On Sunday, the Bearcats will play George Fox University at 11 a.m. (PST).