By Charlie McGuire, Athletics Communications Assistant

SALEM, Ore. – The Willamette University women's lacrosse team held off a late run by visiting Whitman College to claim an 18-15 Northwest Conference win at Sparks Field on Sunday, March 6. The Bearcats improved to 3-0 on the season and 2-0 in the NWC while Whitman slipped to 2-1 overall and 1-1 in the conference.

The Bearcats had a strong start, taking a 6-2 lead at the end of the first quarter as Maddie Garcia (Jr., M, Encinitas, CA/San Dieguito Academy) and Tati Klenk (Jr., Truckee, CA/Tahoe Truckee HS) each struck twice. Willamette was perfect on clears and held a 5-1 advantage in ground balls in the opening period as well.

Willamette stretched the margin to 11-5 at halftime, playing strong defense to counter an 8-1 edge in draw controls by Whitman. The Blues converted a free position for the first goal in the second period before Laura Kelly (Sr., A, Mountainview, CA/Mountainview HS) tallied back-to-back scores to give the hosts an 8-3 advantage with just over eight minutes remaining in the half.

Catie Kawamura (Jr., A, San Diego, CA/San Diego International Studies) found the net twice in the quarter and Kendyl Jennings (So., M, Keizer, OR/McNary HS) capitalized on an extra-man opportunity, scoring with just 30 seconds on the clock. Junior goaltender Shelby Sawyer (Marysville, WA/Bio Med Academy) turned away five shots to give her seven saves at the break.

Whitman made a 3-0 run to start the second half before Analise Wilson (So., M, Temecula, CA/Chaparral HS) countered with back-to-back goals to keep the Bearcats in front, 14-8, with 7:59 to play in the period. Lily Bachiochi (Fy., A, Henderson, NV/Coronado HS) dished out a pair of assists as the teams' traded goals with Willamette holding a 16-11 lead, heading into the final stanza.

Whitman continued to control the draws in the fourth quarter and outscored the Bearcats, 4-2, over the final 15 minutes. The Blues kept the pressure on down the stretch, but Willamette made some strong defensive stands and Sawyer made five saves, including a pair of big stops in the final minute to secure the win.

Kelly led the Bearcat attack with a game-high four goals while controlling five ground balls and forcing a pair of turnovers on the afternoon. Klenk tallied four goals as well while Kawamura and Garcia each finished with a hat-trick. Kawamura was solid on the circle, controlling five draws and causing two turnovers.

Sawyer finished with 15 saves for Willamette while Sophia Maroulis made nine stops for Whitman. The Bearcats held a 27-13 advantage in ground balls and were successful on 14-of-20 clear attempts.

Willamette travels to George Fox University on Saturday, March 12th. Opening draw is scheduled for 1 p.m. (PST).