By Daniel Carroll, Graduate Student Worker and Robert McKinney, Athletics Communications Director, (503) 370-6110

SALEM, ORE. -- Led by goals from Samantha Post (Sr., D/MF, Philomath, OR/Philomath HS) and Alex Batzer (So., MF/F, Medford, OR/North Medford HS), Willamette University rallied from a 1-0 deficit early in the second half to claim a 2-1 victory over George Fox University on Saturday, Oct. 25 at Sparks Field. With the win, the Bearcats improved to 9-6 overall, 7-4 in the Northwest Conference. The Bruins dropped to 10-6 on the season, 6-6 in the NWC.

Willamette moved into sole possession of third place in the NWC standings. The University of Puget Sound holds first place at 11-0 and 33 points. Whitworth is in second at 7-3-1 and 22 points, while the Bearcats are 7-4-0 and 21 points. Whitman ranks fourth in the standings at 6-4-1 and 19 points. George Fox is fifth with a 6-6 record and 18 points.

It was the Bruins' Kirsten Cardwell who opened the scoring at 49:09 with a header off a corner kick by Nicole Akiu, Willamette responded at 53:31, when Post tapped in a bending corner kick off the foot of Kelsey Rogel (Sr., D, Tacoma, WA/Bellarmine Prep). The goal was Post's third of the season.

The Bearcats' winning goal came courtesy of Batzer, who launched a strike from open space 20 yards out at 74:33. Her shot went up and over the head of George Fox goalkeeper Sally Page. The goal, Batzer's sixth of the year -- and fourth in the last three games --- was assisted by Beth Tatlock (Jr., Forward, Denver, CO/St. Mary's Academy).

WU and GFU each took 10 total shots, with the Bruins placing seven on goal and the Bearcats sending four on target. Willamette accumulated 10 corner kicks (seven in the first half) and George Fox finished with seven (six in the second half).

Kelli Gano (So., GK, Portland, OR/Cleveland HS) provided the 'Cats with six saves. Page concluded the game with two saves, both in the first half.

Willamette is scheduled to play again on Sunday, Oct. 26, when the Bearcats will take on Lewis & Clark College in Portland, Ore. Game time is slated for 12 p.m. (PDT).