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

WALLA WALLA, WASH. -- Alex Batzer (So., MF, Medford, OR/North Medford HS) scored the game's only goal with 1:14 remaining in regulation to send Willamette University to a 1-0 victory over Whitman College in a Northwest Conference game on Sunday, Oct. 19. Batzer's goal, her team-leading fifth tally of the season, prevented the game from going into overtime.

Willamette improved to 8-6 overall, including 6-4 in the NWC. Whitman dropped to 8-4-1 overall, 6-3-1 in the NWC.

Beth Tatlock (Jr., F, Denver, CO/St. Mary's Academy) supplied Batzer with an exceptional pass on the scoring play. Batzer converted the effort into a goal for the Bearcats, who are now 7-4 in games decided by a single goal. The 'Cats have won five games by a 1-0 margin and are 5-3 in 1-0 games overall.

The winning goal followed a Willamette corner kick. Stephanie Skelly (Fr., MF, Poulsbo, WA/North Kitsap HS) and Kimber Mattox (Fr., MF, Bend, OR/Cornell University) set up for a short corner, with Skelly starting the play. Mattox returned the ball to Skelly, who sent a pass to the feet of Tatlock at the top of the penalty area.

Tatlock turned and sent the ball into the box. Batzer volleyed the ball past Whitman goalkeeper Courtney Porter.

"Alex just one-touched it into the net," said Willamette Head Coach Hillary Arthur, adding that until the goal by Batzer, "we really outplayed them, but got unlucky in just getting the ball into the goal."

Willamette finished the game with a 17-9 margin in total shots and a 7-4 advantage in shots on goal. Six of Willamette's shots were taken by Batzer, who put three of the shots on frame. The Bearcats outshot the Missionaries 11-1 in the second half.

Porter recorded six saves during the game for Whitman, while Bearcat goalie Kelli Gano (So., Portland, OR/Cleveland HS) contributed four saves. Gano earned her 11th career solo shutout and her fifth blank sheet of the season.

The Bearcats will return to action by hosting George Fox University on Saturday, Oct. 25 at Sparks Field. Kickoff is slated for 12 p.m. (PDT).