McMINNVILLE, Ore. – After a scoreless first half, Linfield College scored two second-half goals to defeat Willamette University 2-0 in the Northwest Conference opener for both teams.  The loss dropped the Bearcats to 3-2 (0-1 NWC). The Wildcats improved to 1-4 (1-0 NWC).

Both teams had some chances in the first half with the best opportunity coming from Linfield when Jamie Mars' shot hit the post in the 32nd minute. For the half, Linfield outshot the Bearcats 7-2, but neither team was able to score and they headed to halftime tied 0-0.

The second half started much like the first, until Linfield's Baylie Cameron got the Wildcats on the board, scoring her first goal of the season on a pass from Mars in the 58th minute.

Down a goal, Willamette showed the fighting spirit they have demonstrated in close games all season and fired off the next 6 shots of the game. Unfortunately for the Bearcats, none of their attempts were able to find the mark.  

Linfield broke through again in the 85th minute on a header by Dani Nurmi. For the half, Willamette outshot the Wildcats 8-2, but both of Linfield's shots found the back of the net.

For the game, the Bearcats outshot the Wildcats 10-9, but Linfield had more shots on goal, 5-3. Linfield also had a 6-4 advantage in corner kicks. 

Liz Stewart (So., D/F, Sisters, OR/Sisters HS/Texas Christian University) led the way for Willamette with 4 shots, while teammates Kelsey Walker (Jr., M, Westerville, OH/Westerville North HS) and Emmy Manset  (Jr., F, Ventura, CA/Foothill Technology HS) added two each for the Bearcats.

Willamette will head home to Sparks Field on Sunday, Sept. 18, to battle Pacific University. Kickoff will be at 12 p.m. (PDT).