By Sara Elcano, Assistant Athletics Communications Director

MCMINNVILLE, ORE. -- The Willamette University women's soccer team was defeated by Linfield College, 4-1 on Wednesday, Sept. 15. The Bearcats trailed just 1-0 at halftime, but fell behind 4-0 before picking up a late goal to avoid the shutout.

Megan Kearns scored first for the Wildcats in the 29th minute. Kearns, who was assisted by Anna Sours, scored on a high shot to the top left corner to give Linfield a 1-0 lead.

Linfield player Emily Fellows scored a hat trick in the second half and broke the game wide open for the Wildcats. Fellows scored in the 50th, 56th and 61st minutes to boost Linfield to a 4-0 advantage. All three of Fellows goals were unassisted.

Irene Vazquez (So., F, Woodburn, OR/Woodburn HS) connected for Willamette's lone goal of the game in the 83rd minute. Vazquez was assisted by Ariel Wilson (So., MF, Fort Collins, CO/Poudre HS).

Goalkeeper Kelli Gano (Sr., GK, Damascus, OR/Cleveland HS) played the entire game in goal for Willamette. She recorded nine saves. Kelsey Hasselblad made three saves in 90 minutes for Linfield.

Linfield controlled possession of the ball for most of the game. The Wildcats outshot Willamette, 19-10. Linfield attempted 13 shots on goal compared to Willamette's four.

Willamette dropped to 1-4 overall and 0-1 in the Northwest Conference. Linfield climbed to 3-2 overall and 1-0 in the NWC.

The Bearcats travel to Tacoma, Wash., to play the University of Puget Sound on Saturday, Sept. 18 at 12 p.m. (PDT) The Loggers are currently 3-0-1 and ranked 12th in the latest D3soccer.com National Poll.