By Robert McKinney, Athletics Communications Director, (503) 370-6110

TACOMA, WASH. -- Kellie Standish (Fr., MF, Redmond, WA/Eastside Catholic HS) scored two goals and Stephanie Skelly (Sr., MF, Poulsbo, WA/North Kitsap HS) provided a goal and an assist, as Willamette University defeated Pacific Lutheran University on Sunday, Sept. 18 at the PLU Field. Willamette moved to 2-4 overall, 1-1 in the NWC, while Pacific Lutheran dropped to 2-2 on the season, 1-1 in the NWC.

Skelly opened the scoring at 27:06 on an unassisted shot from 18 yards into the PLU goal. Standish added another goal for WU early in the second half, sending a 5-yard redirection into the net at 47:29. Malia Simpson (Fr., MF, Fairbanks, AK/West Valley HS) set-up the goal with a crossing pass.

Pacific Lutheran cut Willamette's lead to 2-1 when Sarah Gamache scored at 58:08 on an assist from Kristina Snaring. Gamache, battling directly with WU goalkeeper Gina Barbieri (Fr., GK, Medford, OR/St. Mary's School), slotted the ball into the net.

Standish put an exclamation mark on the game with her second goal in the closing seconds. She took the shot after receiving a pass from Skelly that went through the goalkeeper's box and past the goal. Standish sent the ball back in the opposite direction and into the net.

The goal was scored at 89:98, just two seconds before the final whistle. Standish's two goals were the first of her Willamette career.

Another freshman, Barbieri, made her first start in goal for the Bearcats and registered eight saves to earn the win. Laurie Reddy of PLU also managed eight saves despite taking the loss.

Willamette outshot the Lutes, 18-16 overall, including 11-8 in the second half. WU also held an 11-9 advantage in shots on goal and a 4-2 edge in corner kicks.

Skelly led all players with seven shots, while placing four of her shots on goal. Sabine Wetzel (So., MF, Martinez, CA/Campolindo HS) took four total shots for WU, including three shots on goal. Standish also placed four shots. She had two shots on goal and both found the back of the net.

Karli Hurlbut topped PLU with four shots and three shots on goal. Gamache finished with three total shots, including two shots on goal.

The Bearcats will play their NWC home opener on Saturday, Sept. 24 against Lewis & Clark College. Game time at Sparks Field on the Willamette campus is scheduled for 12 p.m. (PDT).