By Robert McKinney, Assistant Athletics Director, Communications

SALEM, Ore. -- Willamette University sophomore goalkeeper Sam Borngasser (Grants Pass, OR/Grants Pass HS) has been chosen Northwest Conference Women's Soccer Defensive Student-Athlete of the Week after playing 170 of 180 minutes in two shutouts by the Bearcats this past weekend. Borngasser played all 90 minutes in a 0-0 tie with Whitworth University on Saturday, Oct. 15 and then played the first 80:24 in a 3-0 victory over Whitman College on Sunday, Oct. 16. Both games were played at Sparks Field on the Willamette campus.

Borngasser earned four saves in the tie against Whitworth. She provided three saves in the win versus Whitman. In addition, she led the Willamette defense on its way to two strong defensive efforts, limiting Whitworth to five total shots and four shots on goal, and holding Whitman to 10 total shots and just three shots on goal.

"We are incredibly proud of Sam for being recognized for her outstanding contributions in the weekend's games," Willamette Head Women's Soccer Coach Lisa Ljubicic said. "The team had a solid defensive performance which was solidified by Sam's performance in goal. She was good with her hands and her feet, and helped to lead our team to two shutouts."

For the season, Borngasser has a 1.87 goals against average and 20 saves in 433 minutes in goal. She has played in seven games, including five starts. She has started four of Willamette's last six games, including three complete-game appearances.

The Bearcats are 5-7-1 overall and 3-6-1 in the NWC. Willamette will host NWC rival Linfield University on Saturday, Oct. 22. Game time at Sparks Field is set for 12 p.m. (PDT).