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

McMINNVILLE, ORE. -- Senior defender Samantha Post (Philomath, OR/Philomath HS) scored twice, leading the Willamette University women's soccer team to a 2-1 victory over Linfield College on Wednesday, Oct. 8. The road win allowed the Bearcats to improve to 7-4 overall, 5-2 in the Northwest Conference, while Linfield dropped to 3-8 on the season, 1-6 in the NWC.

Post gave WU a 1-0 advantage early in the match, when she scored on a corner kick play at the 6:09 mark. Kimber Mattox (Fr., MF, Bend, OR/Cornell University) received an assist on the play.

The Bearcats extended their lead to 2-0 when Post scored again at 16:20. Brittney Hewitt (Sr., MF, Portland, OR/Central Catholic HS) was credited with an assist on the goal.

Linfield completed the scoring with a tally at 33:01 by Emma Triplett, assisted by Brittany Vargas. Neither team scored in the second half.

Willamette achieved a 25-12 margin in overall shots, including 17-5 in shots on goal. WU goalie Kelli Gano (So., Portland, OR/Cleveland HS) made four saves for the Bearcats. Kelsey Hasselblad earned 12 saves for the Wildcats.

Post was involved in a significant portion of Willamette's offensive play. Not only did she score both goals, she also led all players with eight shots, including six shots on goal. Martha Inouye topped Linfield's shot chart with three overall. She had one shot on goal.

The Bearcats will play at home on Saturday, Oct. 11, when they host the University of Puget Sound at 12 p.m. (PDT). Puget Sound leads the NWC with a 6-0 record and 18 points in the standings. Willamette is second in the standings at 5-2 and 15 points. UPS is ranked #5 in the NCAA Division III Poll conducted by the NSCAA.