By Robert McKinney, Assistant Athletics Director, Communications

SALEM, Ore. -- Willamette University midfielder Pierce Gallaway (Sr., Carmel, CA/Carmel HS) has been selected as the Northwest Conference Men's Soccer Defensive Student-Athlete of the Week for his efforts in three games between Sept. 12 and Sept. 18. Gallaway helped the Bearcats go 3-0 during the week, including a pair of 2-1 wins in NWC action against the University of Puget Sound on Saturday, Sept. 17 and defending champion Pacific Lutheran University on Sunday, Sept. 18. The Bearcats began the week with a 4-2 victory over the University of California, Santa Cruz on Monday, Sept. 12.

Gallaway played exceptionally well throughout the week. He played all 90 minutes in both NWC games, as the Bearcats moved to 2-0 in the conference and to 4-0-2 overall. He was the key connecting player between defense and offense, and he often helped break-up attacks by the opponents. He scored three goals for a hat trick in the win over UC Santa Cruz.

"Pierce is currently one of the top players in the region, and he continues to show his desire and passion every minute he's in the midfield," Willamette Head Men's Soccer Coach Sam Adelman said. "He's been untouchable in the midfield. Defensively, he's been very mature, understanding the game so well and rarely being beaten. He locked down the middle when we needed him on Sunday, and was a massive reason we picked up our first six points in the NWC (with the two wins)."

For the season, Gallaway leads Willamette with five goals and one assist for 11 total points. The Bearcats have outscored their opponents 15-8.

Willamette will return to action on Saturday, Sept. 24 at Pacific University in Forest Grove, Oregon. Game time is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. (PDT).