SALEM, ORE. -- Willamette University received goals from four different players, as the Bearcats defeated the University of La Verne, 4-0, at Sparks Field on Sunday, Sept. 9. Emily Gross (Jr., MF, Medford, OR/North Medford HS) scored the only goal of the first half at 21:25. WU's goals in the second half were scored by Meghan Anderson (So., F, Eugene, OR/South Eugene HS), Lauren Miller (Jr., F, Portland, OR/Northwestern State, La.) and Beth Tatlock (So., MF, Denver, CO/St. Mary's Academy). The Bearcats improved to 1-1 on the season, while the Leopards dropped to 0-3.

Gross opened the scoring with a shot from 7-yards to complete a well-executed attack. Samantha Post (Jr., D, Philomath, OR/Philomath HS) started the play with a pass from the right side to the left side near the penalty area. Haley Rosenthal (So., MF, Cheyenne, WY/Cheyenne East HS) took control, dribbled several yards toward the end line, then sent a pass toward the right post. Gross directed her first-time shot into the left corner of the goal.

Neither team scored during the remainder of the first half, but the Bearcats recorded two goals in just over three-and-a-half minutes about one-third of the way through the second half. Anderson's goal was recorded at 56:27 on a tap-in from two yards out, after a shot by Miller was saved by La Verne goalie Caitlin Kams. Miller increased the lead to 3-0 with a goal on a six-yard header at 59:59. Gross set up the goal with a crossing pass following a short corner kick.

The game's final goal was scored by Tatlock on a break-away opportunity at 87:47. Elena Crecelius (Fr., MF, Orofino, ID/Orofino HS) sent a through pass to Tatlock about 40 yards from goal. Tatlock raced toward the goal line with only the goalie to beat. She placed her shot low and near the left post, as Kams rushed out near the right post.

The Bearcats outshot the Leopards 15-3 during the game. Willamette held an 8-3 edge in shots on goal and also earned a 10-0 margin in corner kicks.

Lo Holahan (Jr., GK, Anacortes, WA/Anacortes HS) and Kelli Gano (Fr., GK, Portland, OR/Cleveland HS) shared the shutout for Willamette. Holahan recorded the win and made one save in the first half. Gano played the final 45 minutes and registered two saves. Goalie Caitlin Kams of La Verne earned four saves for the Leopards.

Willamette will play its next game on Thursday, Sept. 13 at George Fox University. Kickoff is scheduled for 5 p.m. (PDT) in Newberg, Ore. It will be the Northwest Conference opener for both teams.

Willamette University 4, University of La Verne 0 - Box Score