By Robert McKinney, Assistant Athletics Director, Communications

McMINNVILLE, Ore. -- Jackie Gilroy (Sr., F, Mercer Island, WA/Mercer Island HS), Erin Denney (Fy., M, San Diego, CA/Point Loma HS), and Nina Krassner-Cybulski (So., F, Porter Ranch, CA/Agoura HS) each scored a memorable goal in the second half, as Willamette University pulled away from Linfield University with a 3-0 win at the Linfield Soccer Complex on Saturday, Sept. 24. Willamette goalkeeper Rachel Compton (Sr., GK, Lake Stevens, WA/Lake Stevens HS/Skagit Valley College) and the Bearcat defense also contributed to the win, as WU registered its fourth shutout of the season.

The Bearcats advanced their record to 4-2 on the season, 2-1 in the NWC. Linfield dropped to 2-4-1 overall, 0-3 in the NWC.

"We are really happy with not only today's result, but also the team's performance," Willamette Head Women's Soccer Coach Lisa Ljubicic said. "We scored some really nice goals and Rachel was solid in goal. It was a result of collective teamwork, where every player did their job well and did just a little bit extra to push us ahead. Linfield is a tough team to play against and we worked really hard for today's shutout."

Each team took five shots in the first half, but neither team scored. In the second half, Willamette gained an 8-6 edge in total shots to finish with a 13-11 advantage overall.

Willamette moved in front 1-0 on the goal by Gilroy at 56:51. She scored on a 28-yard direct free kick from the left side. She looped the ball into the upper right corner of the goal. Denney increased the lead to 2-0 at 70:45 on an 18-yard shot near the left edge of the penalty area into the middle of the right side-netting.

Krassner-Cybulski stole the ball near midfield about 12 minutes later, drove at the defense, moved wide of a defender, and scored on a 16-yard shot to the upper middle of the net.

Meanwhile, Compton was strong in goal. She was credited with four saves during the contest. She also stopped a counter-attack in the second half with a sliding tackle at the top of the 18-yard box. She made a diving catch on a cross from several yards out in the first half and grabbed several low crosses near the end line in the second half. Willamette's defenders limited Linfield's opportunities throughout the 90 minutes.

Linfield earned three corner kicks in the first two minutes of the game, but only the third corner led to a shot, which was blocked by the WU defense. The Wildcats ended the game with a 10-1 margin in corner kicks.

Late in the game, with Willamette leading 2-0, Ruby Lacktrup of Linfield hit the left post with a shot at 78:48 and Anna Dazey followed up with a shot that was blocked. Compton saved a soft header at 80:07. Krassner-Cibulski added the third goal for Willamette less than three minutes later.

The Bearcats will host Pacific Lutheran University at Sparks Field on Sunday, Sept. 25. Game time is set for 12 p.m. (PDT).