By Robert McKinney, Assistant Athletics Director, Communications

SALEM, Ore. -- The Willamette University women's soccer team scored a goal just 5:25 into the game and added a pair of goals during a six-minute span in the second half, as the Bearcats defeated Whitman College 3-0 at Sparks Field on Sunday, Oct. 16. With the win, the Bearcats improved to 5-7-1 overall, 3-6-1 in the Northwest Conference.

Willamette's goals were earned by Ella Abraham (So., F, Lexington, KY/Lafayette HS), Erin Denney (Fy., M, San Diego, CA/Point Loma HS), and Braeden Glaser (Jr., F, Battle Ground, WA/Prairie HS). Jackie Gilroy (Sr., F, Mercer Island, WA/Mercer Island HS) provided two assists, while Nina Krassner-Cybulski (So., F, Porter Ranch, CA/Agoura HS) was credited with one assist.

Goalkeepers Sam Borngasser (So., Grants Pass, OR/Grants Pass HS) and Siera Edwards (Fy., Portland, OR/Sunset HS) shared the shutout. Borngasser played the first 80:24 and recorded three saves. Edwards played the final 9:36 of the contest. Whitman goalie Emily Badgley made two saves.

"We are very happy to be coming out of the weekend with no goals conceded (including a 0-0 tie against Whitworth University on Saturday)," Willamette Head Women's Soccer Coach Lisa Ljubicic said. "That is a result of the team's commitment to defending alongside really solid performances from our back line and goalkeepers."

The Bearcats took a 1-0 lead on Abraham's goal in the sixth minute. She shot from 15 yards into the left side-netting after a cross from the left side by Gilroy was deflected by a diving Badgley. Willamette continued to hold the slim margin at halftime. Whitman went into the break with a 5-4 lead in total shots, while both teams had three shots on goal.

Each team added five shots in the second half, but the Bearcats gained a 3-0 edge in shot on target. Two of the accurate shots hit the net. Denney registered the first goal of the second half at 72:52, giving the Bearcats a 2-0 lead. She shot from 11 yards toward the top left corner of the goal after receiving a pass from the left side by Krassner-Cybulski. Glaser added an extra insurance goal at 78:51 on a 7-yard header into the upper left portion of the net. Gilroy set up the score with a pass from the top of the 18-yard box.

"In the attack, we were able not only able to create dangerous scoring opportunities today, but also convert those into three really nice goals. After not having scored in the past few games, it was nice to have put away our chances and pair that with a really good defensive performance," Ljubicic commented.

The Blues attained a 10-9 advantage in total shots during the game, while Willamette finished with a 6-3 margin in shots on goal. The Bearcats held a slim lead in time of possession at 52%. Willamette was called for 13 fouls compared to six fouls by Whitman. Neither team received a yellow card.

Glaser of Willamette and Molly Bearlieu of Whitman each registered a game-high three total shots. Glaser, Denney, and Abraham each placed two shots on target.

The Bearcats will take on nearby rival Linfield University at Sparks Field on Saturday, Oct. 22. Kickoff for the NWC matchup is set for 12 p.m. (PDT).