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

SANTA CRUZ, CALIF. -- Malia Simpson (Jr., MF, Fairbanks, AK/West Valley HS) scored the game's only goal at 41:30, as she led Willamette University to a 1-0 victory over the University of La Verne (Calif.) on the first day of the Slugfest Tournament at the University of California-Santa Cruz. The Bearcats improved to 2-0 on the season, while La Verne dropped to 1-2.

The goal by Simpson was set up with an assist from Kinsey Keene (Fr., MF, Eagle, ID/Eagle HS).

Willamette outshot the Leopards, 17-4, during the game and held a 6-0 advantage in corner kicks. WU held a 10-1 margin in total shots in the first half, as La Verne missed wide on its only shot of the period.

In the second half, the Bearcats achieved a 7-3 advantage in shots, including 3-1 in shots on goal. ULV goalkeeper Delanie Pacheco kept the Leopards close with three save in the final 45 minutes, giving her four saves on the night.

WU goalkeeper Nicole Price (Sr., Auburn, WA/Thomas Jefferson HS) registered one save against La Verne. She improved to 2-0 on the season with two shutouts.

The Bearcats will play again on Sunday, Sept. 8, when they are slated to take on Pomona-Pitzer at 12:30 p.m. (PDT). Willamette will battle host UC-Santa Cruz in the final game of the tournament on Monday, Sept. 9 at 9:30 a.m.

UC-Santa Cruz, with Banana Slugs as its nickname, is hosting the Slugfest Tournament, which includes a total of eight games involving seven teams during four days of competition.