By Sara Elcano, Assistant Athletics Communications Director

SALEM, ORE.-- Senior Alex Batzer (F, Medford, OR/North Medford HS) earned a hat trick to help the Willamette University women's soccer team earn their first win of the 2010 season, 5-3, over visiting Bethel University (Minn.). Junior Stephanie Skelly (MF, Poulsbo, WA/North Kitsap HS) netted Willamette's other two goals.

The victory moved Willamette to 1-2-0 on the season and dropped Bethel to 1-1-1. The Bearcats will play one more contest, at Northwest University on Sept. 11 at 12 p.m. (PDT), before opening Northwest Conference play against Linfield College on Sept. 15 in McMinnville, Ore.

The hat trick was the first for Bazter during her Willamette career. In addition, it was the Bearcats' first hat trick since Lauren Miller ('09) tallied three goals against Lewis & Clark College on Oct. 23, 2007.

Skelly scored the first goal of the game just six minutes into the contest on a header from just three yards out. She was assisted by Maddy Grainger (So., F, Salt Lake City, UT/West HS) on the play.

Bethel followed with a goal of its own in the 17th minute before Batzer netted her first goal of the game and the season. She scored at 25:40 on a header following a corner kick and was assisted by Allie Mack (So., D, Olympia, WA/Olympia HS).

Bethel found the back of the net once more before the half ended. The goal, scored by Molly Miller in the 27th minute sent the game into halftime tied 2-2.

Once again, it was Batzer who opened the second half with a goal for WU. The senior scored unassisted from eight yards away to give Willamette a 3-2 lead at the 52:16 mark.

Less than two minutes later Skelly's shot on a breakaway from seven yards away found the back of the net and gave Willamette a two-goal cushion at 4-2.

Willamette continued to dominate possession and shot attempts in the second half. Batzer scored her final goal in the 66th minute to give WU a 5-2 lead.

Bethel would add one more goal at 78:34 to make the final score 5-3.

The Bearcats took 13 shots compared to Bethel's six. In the second half, Willamette outshot Bethel, 6-2.

Kelli Gano (Sr., Portland, OR/Cleveland HS) and Nicole Price (Fr., Auburn,WA/Thomas Jefferson HS) split time at 'keeper for Willamette. Gano had two saves. Price picked up her first goalkeeper victory.