By Sara Elcano, Assistant Athletics Communications Director

SALEM, ORE. -- The Willamette University women's soccer team lost a close battle to Whitworth University, 2-1 in overtime, at Sparks Field on Sunday, Oct. 3. Whitworth currently sits atop the Northwest Conference. The Pirates climbed to 8-3-0 overall and to 6-1-0 in the NWC. Willamette moved to 4-6-0 overall and to 3-3-0 in the NWC.

Willamette scored first on another goal by junior Stephanie Skelly (MF, Poulsbo, WA/North Kitsap HS). Skelly netted her sixth goal of the season when she intercepted a ball played to the Whitworth goalkeeper. Her unassisted goal came in the 34th minute.

The Bearcats were able to hold Whitworth scoreless through most of the game until the Pirates scored in the 82nd minute. Sidonia Davin was assisted by DeeDee Garbe. The goal tied the game at 1-1 with less than ten minutes remaining in regulation.

Whitworth scored the winning goal in the 94th minute when Abbie Moseley netted a shot from 24 yards out. The goal was Moseley's first of the season and kept the Pirates on top of the conference.

The Pirates controlled the ball for most of the game. Even so, Willamette attempted seven shots while Whitworth took nine.

Senior Kelli Gano (GK, Portland, OR/Cleveland HS) was the 'keeper of record for WU. She made six saves and allowed two goals while playing the entire contest.

Callie Bergstrom picked up the win in goal for the Pirates. She made three saves.

Willamette is back in action on Saturday, Oct. 9 at home against Pacific University. The game will begin at 12 p.m. (PDT) at Sparks Field.