By Robert McKinney, Assistant Athletics Director, Communications
SALEM, Ore. -- Tessa Fisher (Fy., M, Keizer, OR/McNary HS) of Willamette University scored a goal with 5:45 left in regulation as the Bearcats forced a 1-1 tie with George Fox University on Sunday, Sept. 24 at Sparks Field. Nina Krassner-Cybulski (Jr., F, Porter Ranch, CA/Agoura HS) provided the assist.
Willamette ended the hard-fought game with a 0-5-2 overall record, 0-2-1 in the Northwest Conference. GFU moved to 2-3-3 on the season, 0-2-2- in the NWC.
Becca Kozak of George Fox earned the game's first goal just 6:11 into the contest, but the Bruins did not score again. Kozak, who leads the Bruins with five goals, shot from 16 yards near the right edge of the penalty area. She intercepted a Willamette pass, and shot the ball into the lower right corner of the net.
The Bruins remained in front at halftime with an 11-5 margin in total shots and a 4-1 edge in shots on goal. Willamette became stronger as the game continued, eventually creating significant time in GFU's defensive third. Even so, the Bruins outshot WU 6-2 in total shots during the second half to finish the game with a 17-7 advantage. The Bruins also held a 6-2 lead in shots on goal and a 10-2 margin in corner kicks.
Willamette kept battling and the work paid off at 84:15 with Fisher's goal from 5-yards. The shot went between the legs of GFU goalkeeper Emily Robey and into the middle of the net. Krassner-Cybulski provided the assist with a cross from the left side near the end line.
Siera Edwards (So., GK, Portland, OR/Sunset HS) made three saves for the Bearcats and her teammates contributed two team saves. The team saves were recorded in the first half at 39:10 and 40:01. On the first team save Braeden Glaser (Jr., F, Battle Ground, WA/Prairie HS) headed the ball up and away from the goal to stop a shot by Liv Haima of George Fox. The second team save was a header by Ella Abraham (Jr., F, Lexington, KY/Lafayette HS) that denied a shot by Alexis Breer.
The Bearcats are set to host Whitworth University in another NWC game on Saturday, Sept. 30 at Sparks Field. Kickoff is scheduled for 12 p.m. PDT.
