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

McMINNVILLE, ORE. -- Linfield College scored two goals in the first 20 minutes and held off a Willamette rally to defeat the Bearcats, 2-1, in a Northwest Conference game on Wednesday, Oct. 14. Linfield upped its record to 7-6-0 on the season, 4-5 in the NWC. Willamette moved to 6-6-1 overall, 5-4 in the NWC.

Rachel Miles of Linfield earned a goal and an assist. She scored the game's opening goal at 12:42 on an assist from Brittany Willis. The Wildcats also recorded a goal at 18:53. It was scored by Sara Blake on an assist from Miles.

Willamette cut the lead to 2-1 with an unassisted goal by Stephanie Skelly (So., MF, Poulsbo, WA/North Kitsap HS) at 33:24. It was Skelly's team-leading fourth goal of the season. She has scored a goal in three of Willamette's last five games.

Linfield continued to hold a one-goal margin at halftime. Both teams had six shots at the break.

In the second half, the Bearcats gained a 3-2 edge in shots. One of WU's shots was a header by Alex Batzer (Jr., F, Medford, OR/North Medford HS) that nearly tied the game, but hit the crossbar at 68:03.

Shannon Scott (Fr., Bellevue, WA/Sammamish HS) and Kimber Mattox (So., MF, Bend, OR/Bend HS/Cornell University) also took shots on goal in the second half for Willamette. Both shots required saves by Linfield goalkeeper Kelsey Hasselblad.

Linfield's pair of shots in the second half were taken by Anna Sours and Miles. The shots were on target, but Willamette goalie Jill Schneeman (So., Burien, WA/Rainier HS) recorded a save each time.

For the game, the Bearcats had nine shots and the Wildcats took eight. Miles led Linfield with four shots and Batzer led Willamette with three.

Schneeman, who played the final 45 minutes for WU, picked up two saves. Bearcat starter Kelli Gano (Jr., Portland, OR/Cleveland HS) played the first 45 minutes and earned one save. Hasselblad registered four saves and played all 90 minutes for the Wildcats.

Willamette amassed five corner kicks during the game. Linfield finished with three corner kicks. The Bearcats owned a 3-1 edge in corners during the second half.

The Bearcats will host George Fox University on Saturday, Oct. 17. Game time at Sparks Field in Salem, Ore., is scheduled for 12 p.m. (PDT).