Bearcats Keep Pressure on UPS and Linfield in NWC Race
NEWBERG, ORE. -- Stephanie Skelly (Sr., MF, Poulsbo, WA/North Kitsap HS) kept up her rapid scoring pace with two goals and an assist on Saturday, Oct. 29, as Willamette University shut out George Fox University, 3-0, at the Austin Sports Complex. The Bearcats improved to 10-6-1 overall and to 9-3-1 in the Northwest Conference, as WU remained within one point of the league co-leaders at the University of Puget Sound and Linfield College.
Skelly has scored 15 goals this season to go with three assists for 33 total points. She has registered two goals in six of Willamette's last 10 games.
Puget Sound and Linfield are both 9-2-2 in the NWC for 29 points (3 for a win, 1 for a tie). Willamette holds third place at 9-3-1 for 28 points. Whitworth is fourth at 7-3-4 for 25 points. UPS, Linfield and Willamette each have three games remaining in the regular season, while the Pirates have just two matches left.
Willamette scored just over 10 minutes into the game on a goal by Ariel Wilson (Jr., MF, Fort Collins, CO/Poudre HS). Skelly set up the play with a header that sent the ball to Wilson, who shot from 5-yard out on the right side. The ball went into the left side of the goal.
The Bearcats increased their lead to 2-0 shortly before halftime at 41:06. Skelly provided the accurate shot from close range, as he scored from just three yards out after receiving a pass from Paige Lancourt (So., MF, Eagle, ID/Eagle HS).
Skelly added a second insurance goal at 51:42 -- less than seven minutes into the second half. She hit the net from 15 yards on the right side. Wilson provided a crossing pass on the play and was credited with an assist.
WU held a 15-12 advantage in total shots and a 10-5 margin in shots on goal. Skelly topped all players with four shots, including two shots on goal, while Cassady Gardner took three shots (two on goal) for George Fox. The Bruins held a 4-2 edge in corner kicks.
Goalkeeper Gina Barbieri (Fr., Medford, OR/St. Mary's School) of Willamette registered the five saves that were needed to keep the Bruins off the scoreboard. Barbieri earned her fourth shutout of the season while increasing her record to 6-0-1. Alyssa Montero, GFU's goalie, made seven saves for the Bruins.
The Bearcats will play on the road again on Sunday, Oct. 30, when they take on Pacific University in Forest Grove, Ore. Game time is scheduled for 12 p.m. (PDT).
Stephanie Skelly scored two goals in the same game for the sixth time this season.
