By Sara Elcano, Assistant Athletics Communications Director

SALEM, ORE. -- The Willamette University women's soccer team defeated Northwest Conference opponent George Fox University, 2-1, in overtime on Saturday, Oct. 16. Willamette is now 6-8-0 overall and 5-5-0 in the NWC. George Fox dropped to 3-8-3 overall and 2-7-1.

The Bruins scored first in the 7th minute on a penalty kick. Kirsten Cardwell scored for GF. The goal was her fourth of the season and gave the Bruins a 1-0 lead.

George Fox was able to maintain their lead until the 74th minute when Stephanie Skelly (Jr., MF, Poulsbo, WA/North Kitsap HS) scored for WU. Skelly scored her seventh goal of the season on a free kick from 20 yards out to tie the game at 1-1.

In overtime, it was Skelly again who found the back of the net for Willamette. The junior scored her eighth goal of the season in the 95th minute to give the Bearcats the 2-1 victory. The George Fox goalkeeper punched the ball out on a Willamette corner kick but Skelly was able to score on the put back.

Willamette attempted 16 shots in the game, nine on goal. The Bruins took 11 shots, five on goal.

Senior Kelli Gano (GK, Portland, OR/Cleveland HS) was the winning keeper for Willamette. She made four saves and allowed one goal.

Willamette is back in action on Sunday, Oct. 17 at home against Lewis & Clark College. The game will begin at 12 p.m. (PDT) at Sparks Field.