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

SPOKANE, WASH. -- Whitworth University saw its 2-0 halftime deficit disappear, but the Pirates scored a goal with 18:17 left in the game for a 3-2 victory over visiting Willamette University on Saturday, Oct. 18. Both of Willamette's goals were scored by Alex Batzer (So., MF, Medford, OR/North Medford HS), who tied the game with just over 23 minutes remaining.

Whitworth's go-ahead goal allowed the Pirates to improve to 9-3-1 overall, 5-3-1 in the Northwest Conference. Willamette fell to 7-6 overall, 5-4 in the NWC. The Bearcats were unable to repeat their 2-1 victory over Whitworth on Sept. 21 at Sparks Field in Salem, Ore.

Kara Tisthammer of Whitworth earned a goal and an assist. She recorded the game-winning tally at 71:43 on assists from Emily Rohde and Jenny Krzymowski. Willamette was unable to equalize following Tisthammer's goal, as the Bearcats managed only one more shot the rest of the way.

The Pirates took a 1-0 lead on a goal by Elizabeth Mattila at 14:57. Tisthammer assisted on the play. Whitworth's advantage increased to 2-0 when Rohde scored at 37:46 on an assist from Whitney Ramsey.

Batzer brought Willamette back into the match with her two second half goals. She put in the first goal at 64:11 on an unassisted play. She netted the tying goal just 2:37 later at 66:48. Stephanie Skelly (So., MF, Poulsbo, WA/North Kitsap HS) contributed the pass that led to Batzer's second goal and was credited with an assist.

Whitworth responded with Tisthammer's goal just under five minutes later. It was her first goal of the season.

During the game, Whitworth earned a 22-8 edge in total shots and an 8-4 advantage in shots on goal. Lindsey Oakes led the Pirates with nine total shots, while Rohde took five. Batzer took four shots for Willamette, including three shots on goal.

WU goalkeeper Kelli Gano (So., Portland, OR/Cleveland HS) recorded five saves. Four of her saves were during the first half, when the Pirates launched 16 shots, including six of their eight shots on goal. Callie Bergstrom played in goal for Whitworth and finished with two saves.

Willamette's next game is slated for Saturday, Oct. 25 against George Fox University. Kickoff at Sparks Field in Salem, Ore., will be at 12 p.m. (PDT).