By Robert McKinney, Assistant Athletics Director, Communications

McMINNVILLE, Ore. -- Anna Peckham scored an unassisted goal for Linfield College 31:20 into the first half, and the Wildcats maintained their slim lead for a 1-0 win over Willamette University on Saturday, Oct. 19. Linfield improved to 7-6-1 on the season, 6-3-1 in the Northwest Conference. Willamette fell to 7-5-1 overall, 6-2-1 in the NWC.

Peckham's goal was earned on a shot from the left side of the field at the top of the 18-yard box. Neither team scored the rest of the way, as Linfield goalie Madi Reimer registered a shutout with six saves. WU goalie Kristen Barclay (Sr./Jr., Kenmore, WA/Cedar Park Christian School) supplied the Bearcats with five saves.

Linfield attained a 14-7 margin in total shots, but the Bearcats matched the Wildcats in shot on goal, as both teams placed six shots on target. The Wildcats held a slim 3-2 edge in corner kicks.

The Bearcats created three shots on goal in the final nine minutes of the game. A corner kick taken by Shanna Keil (Sr., F, Danville, CA/San Ramon Valley HS) led to a header by Emma Blackburn (So., F, Los Altos, CA/Saint Francis HS) that was saved by Reimer at 81:00. Annie Strom (Sr., D, Mount Vernon, WA/Mount Vernon HS) blasted a shot at 82:47 that Reimer prevented from reaching the goal. A bit later at 85:38, Blackburn sent a shot toward the goal, but Reimer responded with a save.

Sydney Kuehn of Linfield led all players with five total shots, including two shots on goal. Blackburn of Willamette and Amidee Colleknon of Linfield each produced two shots and placed both of their shots on goal. Fionn Fortune (Sr., M/F, Alexandria, VA/St. Stephen's & St. Agnes/Hamilton Coll.) contributed two total shots and one shot on goal for the Bearcats.

Barclay, Strom, Rachael Moulton (Sr., D, Seattle, WA/Shorecrest HS) and Hannah Deighton (Sr., D, Long Beach, CA/Long Beach Polytechnic HS) played all 90 minutes for Willamette, while Blackburn played 86 minutes. Five Wildcats, including Reimer played 90 minutes. Peckham matched Blackburn with 86 minutes played.

The Bearcats will host George Fox University at Sparks Field in Salem, Oregon, on Sunday (Oct. 20). Kickoff is set for 12 p.m. (PDT).