By Robert McKinney, Assistant Athletics Director, Communications

SALEM, Ore. -- Willamette University senior goalkeeper Shelby Sawyer (Marysville, WA/Bio Med Academy) has been chosen Northwest Conference Women's Lacrosse Defensive Student-Athlete of the Week for her efforts in three games for the Bearcat between April 4 and April 9. Willamette defeated California Lutheran University 23-3 on Tuesday, April 4, then rolled past Pacific University 18-4 on Saturday, April 8, and moved past Linfield University 20-4 on Sunday, April 9.

Sawyer registered 25 saves for Willamette during the week. She allowed just 11 total goals against CLU, Pacific, and Linfield while playing all 180 minutes. In the win over Linfield, Sawyer earned 14 saves while providing excellent leadership on defense. With the win over the Wildcats, Willamette clinched an NWC Tournament berth. Earlier in the week, Sawyer made five saves against California Lutheran before adding six saves against Pacific.

For the season, Sawyer has achieved a 9-4 record and a 10.58 goals against average. She has contributed 105 saves and has played 771 minutes in goal.

Willamette is 10-4 overall with a 7-3 record in the NWC. The Bearcats, who are currently third in the conference standings, will host Whitworth University at Sparks Field on Saturday, April 15 at 1 p.m. (PDT). Willamette will remain at home to take on Whitman College on Sunday, April 16, also at 1 p.m.

The 2023 NWC Women's Lacrosse Tournament will be held a week later at the site of the regular season champion. Semifinal games will be played on Saturday, April 22, and the NWC Championship Game will be played on Sunday, April 23.