By Robert McKinney, Athletics Communications Director, (503) 370-6110

WALLA WALLA, WASH. -- Stephen Phillips of Whitman College scored a goal with 2:29 left in the first overtime period, as the Missionaries slipped past Willamette University, 2-1, in a Northwest Conference game on Saturday, Oct. 19. Whitman upped its season record to 8-1-6, including 6-1-2 (20 points, second place) in the NWC. The Bearcats fell to 2-10-1 overall, 1-7-1 in the NWC.

Phillips produced the winning goal after receiving a pass from Marc Nabelek, who was credited with an assist on the play. The game was tied 1-1 heading into the 10-minute, sudden-death overtime period.

After a scoreless first half, Greg Phillips recorded the game's first goal on a 10-yard shot into the corner of the net at 55:24. Stephen Phillips earned an assist.

Willamette tied the game on a goal by Ivan Gutierrez (Sr., MF, Stayton, OR/Cathedral Prep) at 63:38. Gutierrez received a pass from Andrew Robinson (Fr., D, Medford, OR/North Medford HS) and sent the ball into the net from 12 yards out.

It was the first career goal for Gutierrez and ended a scoreless streak for Willamette at 501 minutes and 19 seconds. WU's last goal prior to Sunday's game at Whitman was scored in the first half of the Bearcats' 1-1 (2 OT) tie with Pacific University on Oct. 4.

The Missionaries ended the game with a 26-12 advantage in total shots and a 14-1 edge in corner kicks. Stephen Phillips supplied seven of Whitman's shots, while Sam Hodder (Sr., F/MF, Albuquerque, NM/Sandia Prep) took four for the Bearcats. Whitman placed nine attempts on target, while Willamette achieved four shots on goal.

WU survived Whitman's 14-5 shooting margin in the first half. The Bearcats also played level with the Missionaries in the second half despite Whitman's 7-0 margin in corner kicks during the period.

Goalkeeper Brett Axelrod of Whitman made three saves to register the win. Mark Bennett (Jr., GK, Salt Lake City, UT/West HS) provided seven saves for Willamette.

The Bearcats will play George Fox University on Saturday, Oct. 25 at Sparks Field in Salem, Ore. Game time is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. (PDT). Willamette defeated the Bruins 2-0 on Sept. 27.