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

SALEM, ORE. -- Senior forward Lauren Miller (Portland, OR/Grant HS/Northwestern State, La.) scored a goal with 4:21 remaining to send Willamette University to a 2-1 victory over Whitworth University, Sunday, Sept. 21 at Sparks Field. Willamette improved to 3-3 on the season, 1-1 in the Northwest Conference. Whitworth, which lost for the first time this season, fell to 5-1 overall, 1-1 in the NWC.

Miller set up the game-winning goal by twice moving around defenders on the left side of the field. After getting by the second defender, she was at the top left edge of the penalty area. She took a couple of additional steps, then shot the ball into the right side of the goal past Whitworth 'keeper Callie Bergstrom.

The Pirates took a 1-0 lead just 8:47 into the match, when Emily Rohde scored from 16 yard out. She was assisted on the play by Penelope Crowe

Willamette tied the score at 21:08 on a goal from the top of the box by Stephanie Skelly (Fr., MF, Poulsbo, WA/North Kitsap HS). Miller had possession on the left side of the field and spotted Skelly open in the middle and about 18 yards out. Skelly took the pass from Miller, moved to the right and shot back toward the left side of the goal.

Miller's goal and assist were her first points of the season. Last year, Miller led the Bearcats with 11 goals and had two assists for 24 total points.

Whitworth achieved a 12-10 edge in total shots, but the Bearcats had more shots on goal. Willamette finished with six shots at the net, while Whitworth placed just two shots on target. The Bearcats also claimed a 7-5 advantage in corner kicks.

Kelli Gano (So., GK, Portland, OR/Clevleand HS) earned one save for Willamette Bergstrom made four saves for the Pirates.

Willamette next match will be against Lewis & Clark College on Wednesday, Sept. 24 at Sparks Field. Game time is set for 5 p.m. (PDT).