By Robert McKinney, Assistant Athletics Director, Communications

WHITTIER, Calif. -- Willamette University's Nina Krassner-Cybulski (So., F, Porter Ranch, CA/Agoura HS) and Jackie Gilroy (Sr., F, Mercer Island, WA/Mercer Island HS) each scored a goal as the Bearcats attempted to rally from a 4-0 deficit, but Whittier College held on for a 4-2 win on Sunday, Sept. 11. The Poets upped their record to 3-0, while Willamette fell to 2-1.

Whittier built a 3-0 lead in the first 25 minutes, then added a fourth goal at the 42:25 mark. Willamette outscored the Poets 2-0 in the second half, but couldn't finish the comeback.

Alexis Huff of Whittier opened the scoring 11:10 into the game on an assist from Sam Ceballos. Avery Gonzalez tallied the next goal for the Poets at 21:41 as Layla Taylor provided an assist. Just over three minutes later, Alanis Cervantes scored an unassisted goal for Whittier. Jade Barrett completed Whittier's successful first half with a goal less than three minutes before halftime. She was assisted by Shayla Sakkakhanaune.

Krassner-Cybulski registered Willamette's first goal of the game at 66:26. It was Krassner-Cybulski's third goal in Willamette's three games this season. Gilroy added a goal for the Bearcats at 82:45.

The Poets achieved a 15-7 advantage in total shots and an 8-4 edge in shots on goal. Whittier claimed a 3-2 margin in corner kicks.

WU goalies Sam Borngasser (So., GK, Grants Pass, OR/Grants Pass HS) and Krystal Maxey (Fy., GK, La Habra, CA/Sonora HS) split the 90 minutes, with Borngasser playing the first half and Maxey playing the second half. Maxey recorded four saves. Whittier goalkeeper Vanessa Martinez earned two saves.

The Bearcats will open Northwest Conference action on Saturday, Sept. 17 at Whitworth University. Game time in Spokane, Washington, is scheduled for 12 p.m. (PDT). WU will take on Whitman College in Walla Walla, Washington, on Sunday, Sept. 18, also at 12 p.m.