By Brandon Chinn, Athletics Communications Writer
WALLA WALLA, Wash. -- Goalkeepers Emily Sewall (Sr., Petaluma, CA/Casa Grande HS) and Kristen Barclay (Fr., Kenmore, WA/Cedar Park Christian School) combined for a shutout, and Willamette tacked on a goal in both the first and second halves, as the Bearcats defeated Whitman College, 2-0, for their first Northwest Conference win of the 2016 season.
Willamette improved to 4-3 overall (1-2 in NWC), while Whitman remained winless this season at 0-8 (0-4 in NWC).
The Bearcats ignited the action in the 35th minute, when a shot from Jenae Arnold (Fr., M, Poulsbo, WA/North Kitsap HS) deflected off the crossbar and directly over to Kate Matthews (So., M, Bainbridge Island, WA/Bainbridge HS). Matthews slipped it past the keeper at 35:08 for her first goal of the season.
Sewall, who served as Willamette's keeper throughout the first half, saved Whitman's lone shot on goal in the first period at 19:54. Whitman delivered two other shots in the first period, both of which went wide right.
Whitman controlled a little more field position early in the second half, but both of its shots on goal within the first 10 minutes were saved by the newly inserted Barclay.
After both teams combined for five shots in the first 21 minutes of the second period, the defensive units took over. The Bearcats, however, prioritized quality over quantity on their offensive attacks.
Willamette's next shot after the 66th minute came via Emmy Manset (Jr., F, Ventura, CA/Foothill Technology HS) at 82:10.
Manset dribbled it herself towards the goal and fired past the outstretched arms of Whitman's keeper Haley Case for the 2-0 Bearcat lead.
The insurance goal by Manset proved superfluous, as all six of Whitman's desparation shots in the final eight minutes were off target in WU's 2-0 victory.
Despite the loss, Whitman actually outshot Willamette, 12-11. Whitman also tallied one more corner kick than the Bearcats (3-2).
Barclay recorded four saves in the second period. The freshman keeper has now recorded 12 saves in four career games, and owns a saves percentage of .923 (one goal allowed).
Willamette will look to sweep its weekend action on Sunday, Sept. 25, as it stays north to play at Whitworth University (1-2 in NWC). Match time is set for 12:00 p.m.
