By Sara Elcano, Assistant Athletics Communications Director

WALLA WALLA, WASH. -- The Whitman College Missionaries scored an early goal and held off the Willamette University Bearcats to earn a 1-0 victory on Sunday, Oct. 31 in Northwest Conference women's soccer action. Willamette fell to 6-10-2 overall and 5-7-2 in the NWC. Whitman improved to 6-11-1 overall and 4-10-1 in the NWC.

MacKenzie Hughes scored the lone goal of the game in the 12th minute for the Missionaries. Hughes scored from the middle of the field after receiving a cross from the right side. The goal was her third of the season.

The Bearcats attempted 17 shots in the game but just two of those shots were on goal. Whitman had 16 shot attempts and five shots on goal.

Willamette goalkeeper Kelli Gano (Sr., Portland, OR/Cleveland HS) made four saves and played the duration of the game for Willamette.

Emily Davis earned the win in goal for Whitman. Davis only had to make two saves to earn the shutout.

The Bearcats have two games remaining in their 2010 season. Willamette will play at Pacific Lutheran University on Friday, Nov. 5 at 12 p.m. (PDT). The team will conclude its season at Pacific University on Saturday, Nov. 6. The game against the Boxers will begin at 11 a.m. (PDT).