By Robert McKinney, Assistant Athletics Director, Communications

SALEM, Ore. -- Ella Abraham (Jr., F, Lexington, KY/Lafayette HS) of Willamette University scored an equalizing goal at 30:10 to match Pacific Lutheran University at 1-1, but the Lutes added a goal just over seven minutes into the second half to defeat the Bearcats, 2-1, on Saturday, Nov. 4 at Sparks Field. Pacific Lutheran is now 15-4-1 overall and the Lutes have clinched the Northwest Conference women's soccer title at 13-3-0. Willamette, which has lost six games by one goal this season, fell to 2-13-4 overall, 2-10-3 in the NWC.

The Lutes took a 1-0 lead when Lyla Merte put a shot into the net from eight yards at the 15:44 mark. She scored into the lower left corner after receiving a cross from Meghan Michels on the right side near the end line. Abraham's goal tied the score, as she hit the net from nine yards, using her right knee to redirect a 40-yard pass from Jaime Haysman Boaler. It was Abraham's third goal of the season and the ninth goal of her career.

Willamette and PLU remained tied at 1-1 as the game reached halftime. The Lutes owned an 8-3 edge in total shots after 45 minutes, including a 4-1 margin in shots on target.

Pacific Lutheran moved in front on a goal by Alyssa Long at 52:21 on a 12-yard shot from her right knee into the lower right corner. Julia Causbie registered an assist on the play with a pass from the left side.

Goalkeeper Sam Borngasser (Jr., GK, Grants Pass, OR/Grants Pass HS) of Willamette earned nine saves, including several impressive stops. Samantha Nelson, in goal for PLU, made just one save. The Lutes held a 22-6 overall advantage in shots and an 11-2 edge in shots on goal. PLU finished with a 7-4 margin in corner kicks. The game included just four fouls, with three on PLU and one against Willamette.

The Bearcats will close out the season with a game at Pacific University on Sunday, Nov. 5 in Forest Grove, Oregon. Kickoff is set for 11 a.m. PST.