SALEM, ORE. -- Willamette University put a goal on the scoreboard first, just over 20 minutes into the opening half, but Whitworth College answered with a goal of its own just over a minute later, then added another goal before halftime, as the Pirates defeated the Bearcats, 2-1, in a Northwest Conference game on Saturday, Oct. 14. Whitworth upped its overall record to 6-34-3, while improving to 5-1-2 in the NWC. Willamette end the game at 1-11-1 overall and 0-7-1 in the NWC.

Senior midfielder Paul Slavik (Portland, OR/Grant HS) opened the scoring at 20:03. He recorded the goal on a header, while battling for position among several players near the Whitworth goal. Ryan Ward (Sr., D, Salem, OR/McKay HS) received an assist on the play.

Whitworth equalized at 21:29, on a goal by Sean Lambrecht, assisted by Ali Seyedali and Chris Johnson. The Pirates moved into the lead at 38:06, when Skye Henderson scored an unassisted goal on a 15-yard shot from the middle of the field. Neither team scored in the second half.

The Pirates earned a 22-4 advantage in total shots and held an 8-1 edge in shots on goal. Whitworth also amassed 11 corner kicks, while the Bearcats earned just one corner. Goalkeeper Mark Bennett (Fr., Salt Lake City, UT/West HS) registered six saves in the nets for Willamette. Senior goalie Kevin Bostock recorded the win for Whitworth.

Willamette plays at home again on Sunday, Oct. 15, against Whitman College. Game time at Sparks Field is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. (PDT).