By Robert McKinney, Athletics Communications Director

SALEM, Ore. -- The Willamette University women's basketball team is off to a 9-2 start this season. Although a number of factors have contributed to Willamette's great start, one of the key reasons is the Bearcats' success at 3-point shooting.

Prior to Monday's win over New Hope Christian College, the Bearcats were ranked 10th in NCAA Division III with 8.3 three-pointers made per game. WU was listed 16th in total 3-pointers made (83) and was 21st in 3-point shooting percentage at 36.4%.

Against NHCC, the Bearcats continued their 3-point accuracy, hitting 12 of 24 shots. During the past two games, Willamette connected on 23 of 46 shots from 3-point range.

The Bearcats have made at least five 3-pointers in all 11 games and have recorded nine or more trifectas in six games. The 12 long-range baskets against New Hope Christian set a season high.

Kylie Towry (Jr./So., G, Medford, OR/South Medford HS) leads the team with 29 three-pointers. She is shooting 40.8% on 3-point shots. Ashley Evans (So., PG, Canby, OR/Canby HS) follows with 25 three-pointers on the strength of 41.0% shooting.

Mary Eckenrode (So., PG, Higley, AZ/Highland HS) has connected on 14 of 35 three's for 40.0% accuracy. Whitney Anderson (So., G, Willamina, OR/Willamina HS), who has made 12 of 26 three-point shots, is ranked second in the Northwest Conference at 46.2%.

In addition to shooting well from 3-point range, the Bearcats have excelled at field goal and free throw shooting. Willamette entered the game with NHCC ranked 38th in the nation in overall field goal shooting (42.7%). The Bearcats were 44th in the nation in free throw shooting (72.7%).

"I'm really happy for the girls that their hard work is starting to show in the win/loss column," Willamette Head Coach Peg Swadener said. "Our shooting percentage is a direct result of the amount of time the team has spent in the gym. And it's not just the ones who are getting the shots. The entire team trusts each other and they know where everyone is on the court. They do a great job working the offense to find the highest percentage shot. This is a special team and I'm looking forward to seeing what they can do in conference play!"

After a solid game in Monday's 69-53 win, WU is now shooting 43.5% from the field and 37.7% from 3-point range.

Leading Willamette in overall field goal shooting (minimum 44 attempts) is Madi Andresen (So., F, Forest Grove, OR/Forest Grove HS) at 50.0% (34 of 68). Alex Wert (Jr., F, Spokane, WA/St. George's HS) is shooting 47.0% (31 of 68) and Marisa Hamilton (Jr./So., F, Beaverton, OR/Southridge HS) is at 45.7% (42 of 92).

At the free throw line, Hamilton leads the way at 84.6% after sinking 22 of 26 shots. She is tied for fourth in the NWC. Towrie has hit 80.0% at the line (20 of 25). Towry ranks sixth in the NWC in scoring with 14.5 points per game.

Evans is ranked nationally in assist-to-turnover ratio (2.24). Including Monday's game, she has recorded 40 assists while committing only 17 turnovers.

Willamette will travel to Tacoma, Washington, on Friday, Jan. 8 to take on NWC rival University of Puget Sound. Tipoff is set for 6 p.m. (PST). On Saturday, Jan. 9, the Bearcats will host archrival Linfield College at Cone Field House starting at 4 p.m.