By Robert McKinney, Assistant Athletics Director, Communications

TACOMA, Wash. -- Willamette University battled one of the strongest teams in the Northwest Conference on Saturday, Oct. 29, but the University of Puget Sound edge the Bearcats, 1-0, on a penalty kick goal in the first half.

Jacquelyn Anderson converted the penalty kick at 20:07 after a foul was called on the Bearcats in the penalty area. It was Anderson's sixth goal of the season.

Less than seven minutes later, Willamette received a penalty kick. Liz Stewart (So., D/F, Sisters, OR/Sisters HS/Texas Christian University) took the shot, but Puget Sound goalkeeper Lauren Thomas earned a save on the play.

The Loggers improved to 12-2-3 overall, 9-1-3 (30 points) in the Northwest Conference. Willamette fell to 8-7-2 overall, 5-6-2 in the NWC (17 points). The Bearcats are fifth in the NWC standings, just one point behind Linfield College and four points behind Whitworth University with three games remaining.

Puget Sound outshot the Bearcats, 12-4, including 5-1 in the first half. The Loggers held a 4-1 edge in shots on goal, as both defenses allowed a limited number of quality chances.

The save by Thomas on the penalty kick was the only save for Loggers. Kristen Barclay (Fr., GK, Kenmore, WA/Cedar Park Christian School) achieved three saves in goal for Willamette.

Anderson finished with three shots for Puget Sound, including two shots on goal. The Loggers earned a 7-4 advantage in corner kicks.

Willamette will take on the conference leaders, the Lutes of Pacific Lutheran University, on Sunday, Oct. 30. Game time in Parkland, Washington, is set for 12 p.m. (PDT).