By Robert McKinney, Athletics Communications Director, (503) 370-6110

SALEM, ORE. -- Lauren Miller (Jr., F, Portland, OR/Grant HS/Northwestern State, La.) and Kelsey Rogel (Jr., F/D, Tacoma, WA/Bellarmine Prep) each scored a goal, leading Willamette University to a 2-1 victory over Pacific University in a Northwest Conference game at Sparks Field on Sunday, Oct. 7. All of the scoring was in the first half, as goalkeepers Kelli Gano (Fr., Portland, OR/Cleveland HS) of Willamette and Sydney Vincent of Pacific shut down the two offenses during the final 45 minutes.

Willamette, which has won three of its last four games, improved to 4-5-1 overall and to 3-4-1 in the NWC. The Bearcats have earned a 3-1-1 record since starting the season 1-4. Pacific fell to 4-7-1 on the season, 2-6 in the NWC.

Miller opened the scoring at 16:18 on a 6-yard shot near the right post. She scored after receiving a pass from Brittney Hewitt (Jr., MF, Portland, OR/Central Catholic HS). Hewitt entered the penalty box from the right side, then crossed the ball to Miller, who was making a run toward the post.

Kaleigh Stubblefield scored the tying goal for Pacific on a 40-yard free kick at 29:37. Her kick went over the outstretched arms of Gano, who jumped in an attempt to push the ball over the crossbar, but wasn't able to reach the shot.

Rogel provided Willamette with the go-ahead goal at 40:11. She tapped the ball into the net near the right post, following a crossing pass from Selena Levy (So., D, San Anselmo, CA/Sir Francis Drake HS). Levy began the play with a free kick from 23 yards out on the left side of the field.

Pacific held a 17-14 in shots and achieved a 6-5 edge in shots on goal. The Boxers outshot Willamette 8-7 in the second half. Gano finished with four saves for Willamette and Sydney earned three saves for Pacific.

Willamette concluded the game with a 7-6 lead in corner kicks. The Bearcats had just one corner kick in the first half, but claimed a 6-2 edge in corners in the second half.

The Bearcats remain at home on Thursday, Oct. 11, when they will host George Fox University. Game time for the NWC match is set for 7 p.m. (PDT).