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

SPOKANE, WASH. -- Whitworth University broke open a scoreless game with two goals early in the second half, and the Pirates went on to defeat Willamette University, 3-0, in a Northwest Conference game on Sunday, Oct. 4. Justin Meyer scored two goals for the Pirates, while Elly Bulega earned two assists.

Whitworth upped its record to 7-2-1 overall, including 5-1 in the NWC. The Pirates moved into sole possession of first place in the conference standings with 15 points. The Bearcats dropped to 3-8 overall, 2-4 in the NWC.

The Pirates took six shots in the first half compared to three for Willamette, but neither team hit the nets in the first 45 minutes. WU goalkeeper Eben Hellekson (Jr., Honolulu, HI/University Laboratory School) recorded the only save for either team during the half on a shot by Nate Spangler in the 29th minute.

Willamette outshot Whitworth, 5-4, in the second half, with each team achieving three shots on the goal. The Pirates ended the scoreless tie just 2:28 into the final period on a goal by Kekoa Mountcastle, assisted by Bulega and Bryan Olson.

Olson headed the ball across the penalty area to Bulega, who headed it back toward the post. Mountcastle sent the ball into the net for his fifth goal of the season.

Just over a minute later, Meyer scored on an individual effort at 48:30. The Pirates tallied the game's final goal on a shot by Meyer from the right side at 54:20. Bulega received an assist on the play.

Whitworth goalkeeper Brian Sherpe made two saves in just over 77 minutes. Kyle Novak played the final 13 minutes in goal for the Pirates, but did not earn a save.

The Pirates held a 10-8 advantage in overall shots and a 4-3 edge in shots on goal. Whitworth picked up five corner kicks, while the Bearcats achieved two corners. Casey Dineen (Sr., MF, Portland, OR/Jesuit HS) and Loftin Langsdorf (Fr., D/MF, Vancouver, WA/Columbia River HS) each took two shots for Willamette. Meyer led Whitworth with five shots.

Willamette went 1-1 on its yearly trip to eastern Washington. The Bearcats defeated Whitman College, 2-1, on Saturday. Willamette will return to action on Sunday, Oct. 11 with an NWC match at Linfield College. Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m. (PDT).