By Brandon Chinn, Athletics Communications Writer

WHITTIER, Calif. -- The Willamette University women's soccer team remained toe-to-toe with Whittier College through the first 45 minutes of play on Friday, September 12 en route to a scoreless tie at the half. But a hat trick by Whittier's Madison Shipherd in the second half served as the difference-maker in the Poet's 3-0 victory at Graham Soccer Field in Whittier, California.

Shipherd broke the scoreless tie in the 54th minute, connecting with the bottom left corner of the goal on a shot from the top of the box. Her next goal came just one minute later on a header to the top right corner. Shipherd's final goal sealed Whittier's victory. She headed a pass from Jennifer Muise into the goal in the 72nd minute for a 3-0 lead.

For Willamette, Kelsey Walker (So, M/GK, Westerville, OH/Westerville North HS) led the way with three shots, two of which went on goal. Kinsey Keene (Jr., F, Eagle, ID/Eagle HS) also had two shots on goal.

Whittier outshot Willamette by a slim 12-10 margin, with Willamette holding a 7-5 edge in the second half. Each team took four shots on goal during the game.

Alexi Cruz, who played in goal for the Poets, registered three saves to record the shutout. Whititer improved to 3-0 on the season.

WU goalie Emily Sewall (Jr., GK, Petaluma, CA/Casa Grande HS) earned one save. The Bearcats dropped to 0-2-1.

After a day off on Saturday, the Bearcats will return to action on Sunday, Sept. 13 at Claremont-Mudd-Scripps in Claremont, California. Kickoff is set for 11:00 a.m. (PDT).