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

SPOKANE, WASH. -- Whitworth University edged Willamette University, 1-0, on a goal by Jael Hagerott with just over six minutes remaining, in a Northwest Conference women's soccer game on Sunday, Oct. 21. The Bearcats played exceptional defense against the Pirates, who entered the game with just one loss on the season. Willamette goalkeeper Kelli Gano (Fr., Portland, OR/Cleveland HS) provided seven saves to keep the game scoreless until Hagerott's winning shot.

Whitworth, ranked #12 in the nation by D3Kicks.com, improved to 14-1 on the season, 11-1 in the Northwest Conference. Willamette's record went to 4-8-2 overall, including 3-7-2 in the NWC.

Gano's solid play offset a 20-6 edge by Whitworth in shots and an 8-2 advantage for the Pirates in shots on goal. Krista Dietz recorded two saves while achieving the shutout for Whitworth.

The game's only goal began with a pass from Whitney Ramsey to Emily Rhode, who flicked the ball from the center of the field out to the right side of the penalty area. Hagerott shot toward the left post and deposited the ball into the net a 83:46. Ramsey and Rhode received assists on the play.

Willamette had three corner kicks to none for Whitworth at halftime, but the Pirates ended the game with a 6-4 advantage in corners, after earning six and allowing the Bearcats just one in the second half.

Meghan Anderson (So, F, Eugene, OR/South Eugene HS) and Kelsey Rogel (Jr., F/D, Tacoma, WA/Bellarmine Prep) each took one shot on goal for the Bearcats. Anderson's shot was at 82:51 and was saved by Dietz less than a minute before Hagerott scored the winning goal for the Pirates.

Willamette will play its third consecutive road game on Tuesday, Oct. 23, when the Bearcats take on Lewis & Clark College in Portland, Ore. Game time is slated for 7 p.m. (PDT).