NEWBERG, ORE. -- Amber Stevens scored two goals for George Fox University to lead the Bruins to a 3-1 victory over Willamette University in the Northwest Conference opener for both teams on Thursday, Sept. 13. George Fox improved its overall record to 3-1, while WU fell to 1-2.
Stevens opened the scoring at 26:03 on an unassisted goal. The Bruins increased their advantage to 2-0 later in the first half, when Kirsten Cardwell scored on an assist from Jessica McMorran at 40:55. GFU outshot Willamette, 11-3 in the first half.
In the second half, Willamette cut the lead to a single goal when Michelle Noelke (Fr., F, Edmonds, WA/Roosevelt HS) scored her first gal as a college player at 61:07. Kelsey Rogel (Jr., D, Tacoma, WA/Bellarmine Prep) registered an assist on the play.
The Bearcats forced GFU goalkeeper Jessica Cardwell to make one save with the score still 2-1, as Meghan Anderson (So., F, Eugene, OR/South Eugene HS) placed a shot on goal at 78:18. WU was unable to equalize on the scoreboard before Stevens recorded her second goal of the game at 84:58. Stevens was assisted on the play by Nicole Akiu.
George Fox achieved an overall margin of 24-11 in shots, including a 12-5 advantage in shots on goal. WU's starting goalkeeper, Lo Holahan (Jr., Anacortes, WA/Anacortes HS), made four saves and allowed two goals in 45 minutes of action. Kelli Gano (Fr., Portland, OR/Cleveland HS) played in goal in the second half and provided the Bearcats with five saves, while allowing one goal.
Jessica Cardwell finished with four saves in 90 minutes for GFU. She has registered all four decisions for the Bruins this season.
GFU earned three corner kicks, while Willamette attained two corner kicks. The Bearcats were whistled for two offside violations and 15 fouls, compared to one offside call and nine fouls for the Bruins.
Willamette plays another road game on Sunday, Sept. 16, as the 'Cats travel to Tacoma, Wash., to take on the defending NWC champions at the University of Puget Sound. Game time is set for 12 p.m. (PDT).
Last year, the Bearcats defeated UPS, 3-0, in Salem, Ore., but lost 2-1 in Tacoma. UPS won the NWC title with a 13-1-2 record (41 points) to edge out the Bearcats, who finished 13-2-1 (40 points).
George Fox University 3, Willamette University 1 - Box Score
Freshman forward Michelle Noelke scored her first collegiate goal on Sept. 13 against George Fox.
