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

SALEM, ORE. -- Ashland Bernard (So., F, Kirkland, WA/Juanita HS) of Willamette University scored on a 16-yard shot that hit the crossbar and bounced just inside the goal line with 11:26 remaining, as the Bearcats defeated Whittier College, 2-1, at Sparks Field on Friday, Sept. 7.

Whittier goalkeeper Shanna Falch tried to record a save on the play by leaping and reaching overhead, but the ball deflected off her hands and hit the crossbar before bounding across the goal line and then bouncing back out.

The Bearcats improved to 2-1 on the season. Whittier fell to 1-2.

Willamette led 1-0 at halftime on a goal by McKenzie Andringa (Fr., D/F, Yakima, WA/La Salle HS) at 39:07. The Poets tied the score on a goal by Madison Shipperd at 51:43.

The score remained 1-1 until Bernard's go-ahead goal nearly 27 minutes later at 78:34.

Willamette controlled much of the first half, outshooting Whittier, 9-2. The Bearcats placed just two of the shots on target, but one was a blast by Andi Rowan (Sr., MF, Boise, ID/Timberline HS) that was saved by a defender near the goal line and the other shot was Andringa's goal.

Bernard began the scoring play shortly after a Willamette corner kick. She controlled the ball and passed it out to Andringa, who shot from 15-yards to the top right corner of the goal.

Shipperd's tying goal for Whittier was earned on an 18-yard shot from the left side into the top of the goal. Allison Calabrese assisted on the play.

The Poets registered shots on goal at 67:27 and 74:46 with the score still tied, but Barbieri achieved saves on both shots. Sabine Wetzel (Jr., D, Martinez, CA/Campolindo HS) of Willamette put a shot on goal for the Bearcats at 76:40, only to have Falch register a save.

Just under two minutes later, Bernard found the net to give Willamette the lead. Veronica Ewers (Fr., MF, Moscow, ID/Moscow HS), who set up the goal with a pass from the right side, was credited with an assist.

WU finished with 15 total shots compared to seven shots by Whittier. Each team placed five shots on goal. Barbieri ended the game with four saves, while Falch earned two saves for the Poets.

The Bearcats claimed a 7-3 advantage in corner kicks, including a 6-2 edge in the first half. Each team committed one offside violation.

It was a physical game throughout the night, but both teams avoided picking up any yellow cards. Whittier was called for 14 fouls and Willamette was charged with eight fouls.

Willamette will return to action on Sunday, Sept. 9 against Concordia University (Ore.). Game time at Sparks Field is scheduled for 6 p.m. (PDT).

NOTE: Although the Bearcats do not play on Saturday, Sept. 8, there will be a women's soccer game at Sparks Field, as Whitman College will take on Warner Pacific College. Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m. (PDT).