By Robert McKinney, Assistant Athletics Director, Communications

SALEM, Ore. -- Willamette University spent much of its time on defense against a strong offensive team from North Central College (Ill.) on Saturday, Sept. 9, but a successful penalty kick by Ella Abraham (Jr., F, Lexington, KY/Lafayette HS) with 4:22 left in the first half created a 1-1 tie entering the halftime break. The Bearcats remained tied with the Cardinals until North Central scored a goal at 64:17. North Central still held a slim 2-1 margin entering the final 10 minutes, but the Cardinals added goals at 80:15 and 81:04 to secure a 4-1 win. Willamette fell to 0-3-1 on the season, while NCC upped its record to 3-1-0.

North Central concluded the game with a 32-2 edge in total shots and a 15-2 margin in shots on goal, but strong goalkeeping from Sam Borngasser (Jr., GK, Grants Pass, OR/Grants Pass HS) and plenty of other defensive efforts by the Bearcats kept NCC from taking charge most of the game. Borngasser recorded 11 saves during the game. Abraham's timely goal after an NCC player was called for a handball in the penalty area also was a key moment for Willamette.

The Cardinals scored the game's first goal at 25:52 on a tap-in from one yard by Madison DeVriendt. She was assisted by a short pass from 10 yards out by Elle Sutter and a cross from the right side by Erin Jaskierski. Abraham equalized with her penalty shot at 40:38 as she kicked the ball into the lower left corner.

Yazmin Martinez of North Central broke the tie score just over midway through the second half. She was assisted by Elle Sutter and Kassandra Salviola. The final two goals for NCC were scored by Jordan Lange on an assist from Kaitlyn Cannon and by Sarah Andrey with an assist from Sophia Hein. Lange scored from the top right corner of the 18-yard box, while Andrey's goal was on a shot from the top of the box. North Central goalie Jordan Boyd was credited with one save for the Cardinals. NCC finished with a 4-2 lead in corner kicks.

Willamette will open Northwest Conference play on Wednesday, Sept. 13 when they host rival Linfield College at Sparks Field. Game time is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. PDT.