Linfield Gets First Win Over Rival Willamette

WU forward Lauren Miller, who scored both goals in the Bearcats' 2-1 win over Lewis & Clark College on Saturday, was held without a shot by Linfield.

Photo: Kevin Hays

McMINNVILLE, Ore. - A Martha Inouye penalty kick in the 24th minute proved to be the difference Sunday at the Linfield soccer field as Linfield topped Willamette 3-0 in a Northwest Conference match.

It was the first Linfield victory over rival Willamette since record-keeping first began in 1995. The Wildcats entered the match with a series record of 0-23-1 against the Bearcats.

With the win, Linfield improves to 4-4-1 overall and 3-3 in NWC play. Willamette dips to 2-5-1 overall and 1-4-1 in NWC action.

Inouye’s goal was set up when Sara Blake was tripped up just inside the box. Inouye beat WU goalkeeper Kelli Gano on a line-drive shot just to her left.

The game was mostly played in the middle of the field through the first half, before Blake gave the Wildcats a little bit to breathing room.

In the 41st minute, on an assist from Kelli Gillespie, Blake tallied the first goal of her Linfield career, with a shot to the bottom left-hand corner of the net.

Kelsey Hasselblad may have had her best performance of the season.

On numerous occasions, the freshman goalkeeper batted out shots while surrounded in traffic. She finished with five saves for the match.

Gano had three saves for the Bearcats, and Lo Holahan added three more saves after she relieved Gano in the second half.

Emma Triplett gave the ‘Cats their final goal of the night when she took a deflection around the goalie and scored to the left corner.

Linfield outshot Willamette 13-6, including a 7-2 first-half advantage.

NEXT

Linfield battles visiting George Fox Saturday at noon.

Willamette continues conference play Saturday when it travels to Pacific Lutheran at noon.

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