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

TACOMA, WASH. -- After playing in seven games decided by 1-0 scores in the first nine games this season, the Willamette University women's soccer team broke out of its scoring difficulties in a big way on Sunday, Oct. 5, as the Bearcats defeated Pacific Lutheran University, 4-1, in a Northwest Conference game. Willamette improved to 6-4 overall, 4-2 in the NWC, while PLU dropped to 1-6-2 overall, 0-5-1 in the conference.

The 'Cats are tied with Whitman College (4-2) for second place in the NWC standings with 12 points. Whitman defeated Lewis & Clark College on Sunday, 1-0. George Fox University (3-2, 9 pts.) and Pacific University (3-2, 9 pts.) trail Willamette and Whitman by three points in the standings. The University of Puget Sound (6-0, 18 pts.) is in first place.

Against PLU, Willamette took a 1-0 lead on a goal by Lauren Miller (Sr., F, Portland, OR/Grant HS/Northwestern State, La.) just 3:23 into the game. She was assisted by Brittney Hewitt (Sr., MF, Portland, OR/Central Catholic HS). Pacific Lutheran tied the score with 19 seconds left in the half, when Kristina Snaring scored on a 35-yard shot that was lobbed over WU goalkeeper Kelli Gano (So., Portland, OR/Cleveland HS).

Just 11 seconds later, and only eight seconds before halftime, Meredith Newby of PLU received a red card. As a result, the Lutes were short one player on the field the rest of the game. Willamette claimed the victory by scoring three times in less than nine minutes during the second half.

WU moved into the lead on a goal by Beth Tatlock (Jr., F, Denver, CO/St. Mary's Academy) at 67:01. The Bearcats increased the advantage two goals at 3-1 when Alex Batzer (So., MF, Medford, OR/North Medford HS) hit the net on a rebound shot from close range at 71:35.

The final goal was scored by Haley Rosenthal (Jr., MF, Cheyenne, WY/Cheyenne East HS) at 75:55, also on a rebound shot from close range. Stephanie Skelly (Fr., MF, Poulsbo, WA/North Kitsap HS) received an assist on the play.

Willamette held an 11-6 edge in shots at halftime, then outshot the shorthanded Lutes, 18-3, over the final 45 minutes. WU's overall shooting margin of 29-9, included a 17-6 advantage in shots on goal.

PLU goalie Kamryn Morgan achieved 13 saves for PLU. Gano made five saves for Willamette.

The Bearcats will play a Northwest Conference game at Linfield College on Wednesday, Oct. 8. Kickoff is set for 5 p.m. (PDT).