By Robert McKinney, Assistant Athletics Director, Communications

SALEM, Ore. -- Max Berner-Hays (Sr., D, Seattle, WA/Ballard HS) of Willamette University has been named the Northwest Conference Men's Soccer Defensive Student-Athlete of the Week for his two goals plus an assist during the week. The Bearcats defeated Pacific University, 3-1, on Saturday, Sept. 25 at Sparks Field and tacked on a 4-3 road victory against George Fox on Sunday, Sept. 26.

In the win over Pacific, Berner-Hays scored Willamette's first two goals, both on headers, to give the Bearcats a 2-0 lead. He scored the first goal at 69:16 from four yards out following a corner kick by Ryan Sato (Sr., M, Sunnyvale, CA/Homestead HS). Berner-Hays added the second goal at 73:36 from seven yards out after a free kick was taken by Jack Moothart (Sr., D, West Linn/West Linn HS). Against George Fox, Berner-Hays earned an assist on the team's third goal. He also provided strong play on defense in both games.

For the season, Berner-Hays is Willamette's leading scorer with three goals and two assists for eight total points. He has played in 62 games -- all starts -- during his career. He has contributed 20 career goals to go along with eight assists for 48 career points.

Willamette, now 5-2 on the season and 3-1 in the NWC, will host the University of Puget Sound on Saturday, Oct. 2. Game time at Sparks Field is set for 2:30 p.m. (PDT).