By Robert McKinney, Athletics Communications Director

SALEM, Ore. -- Willamette University junior midfielder Alan Hernandez (Tigard, OR/Tigard HS) has been chosen NWC Men's Soccer Offensive Student-Athlete of the Week for his efforts as the Bearcats downed archrival Linfield College, 2-1, on Saturday, Oct. 8 in McMinnville, Oregon. Hernandez scored both of Willamette's goals.

Hernandez opened the scoring at 20:51 on a shot from just outside the penalty area. He was assisted on the play by Maxwell McKee (So., F, Coronado, CA/Coronado HS).

Later, with the score tied at 1-1, Hernandez converted a penalty kick at 65:29 to give Willamette the lead for good. The win kept the Bearcats within one point of Whitworth University at the top of the NWC standings. Whitworth is 5-1-1 (16 points) in the NWC. Willamette, which owns a 7-3 overall record, is 5-2 (15 points) in NWC action.

Hernandez is Willamette's top scorer this season with 3 goals and 2 assists for eight total points. He has recorded seven of his eigth points in conference games.

The Bearcats will play again on Saturday, Oct. 15 at Pacific Lutheran University in Parkland, Washington. Game time is set for 2:30 p.m. (PDT). Willamette will play its third consecutive road game on Sunday, Oct. 16 against University of Puget Sound. Kickoff is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. in Tacoma, Washington.