By Robert McKinney, Athletics Communications Director

SALEM, Ore. -- Veronica Ewers (Sr., F, Moscow, ID/Moscow HS) headed in a goal near the midpoint of the second half and Willamette University maintained the lead for a 1-0 win over Pacific University in a Northwest Conference women's soccer game on Saturday, Oct. 10 at Sparks Field. The Bearcats improved to 6-4-1 overall, 6-1-0 in the NWC. Pacific fell to 2-8-1 overall, 2-4-1 in the NWC.

The game-wining header by Ewers was from four yards out at 66:33 following a corner kick taken by McKenzie Andringa (Sr., M/D, Yakima, WA/La Salle HS). It was Ewers' first goal of the season, while Andringa recorded her second assist.

Neither team scored in a relatively defensive first half. The Bearcats held much of the possession in the opening 45 minutes and owned a 4-1 edge in total shots, including a 2-0 advantage in shots on goal.

Offensive chances were still relatively slim in the second half. Pacific outshot Willamette 7-5 over the final 45 minutes, including 3-2 in shots on goal.

Pacific had an opportunity to take the lead at 51:20 on a shot by Tia Kinilau, but Sewall recorded a save and sent the ball wide of the goal. Following the corner kick, Breezy Brookbank of Pacific took a shot that was blocked by a defender and hauled in by Sewall wide of the goal.

It looked like Kelsey Walker (So., M/GK, Westerville, OH/Westerville North HS) might score for WU at 57:51, but her lofting shot from 28 yards out went wide left.

After Ewers gave Willamette the lead, Pacific forced WU goalkeeper Emily Sewall (Jr., GK, Petaluma, CA/Casa Grande HS) to make two more saves.

At 73:57, a 35-yard free kick from the left side by Brookbank bounced in the box and went toward the far post. Sewall made a dive save. Later Emily Thompson had a shot that Sewall saved at 77:58.

Sewall finished with three saves to record her sixth shutout -- and Willamette's seventh shutout -- this season. The Bearcats have earned shutouts in six consecutive matches. Kililani Kunitomo registered three saves in goal for Pacific.

Willamette claimed a 9-8 overall advantage in total shots against the Boxers to go along with a 4-3 edge in shots on goal. Pacific amassed four corner kicks, all in the second half, while WU earned two corners.

The Bearcats will take on University of Puget Sound on Sunday, Oct. 11 in Tacoma, Washington. Game time is slated for 12 p.m. (PDT).