NWC Women's Soccer: #4 Puget Sound 3 - Willamette 2

With the loss, Willamette dropped to 4-6-2 overall, 3-5-2 in the NWC.

Photo: Kevin Hays

SALEM, Ore. - Willamette University provided a tough battle for the University of Puget Sound, ranked #4 in NCAA Division III (D3Kicks.com), but the Bearcats were unable to record an equalizing goal in the closing minutes, as UPS held on for a 3-2 win at Sparks Field on Saturday.

UPS remained undefeated and improved to 13-0 on the season, including 9-0 in the Northwest Conference. Willamette dropped to 4-6-2 overall, 3-5-2 in the NWC.

Willamette led 1-0 after Alex Baxter put in a four-yard header off a corner kick from Kelsey Rogel at the 26:54 mark in the first half.

USP tied the game just 30 seconds later, when Janece Levien scored her 11th goal of the season on a 10-yard shot at 27:24. Fiona Gornick received an assist on the play.

The Loggers broke the time just 2:39 later on another goal by Levien. She battled for the ball with several other players about 10 yards out near the right post, then prepared to shoot as WU goalkeeper Kelli Gano neared the play.

Levien's shot from nine yards out immediately deflected off Gano and a defender, then headed into the lower left corner of the goal.

UPS added an insurance goal at 69:33. It was scored by Fiona Gornick, who took possession of a loose ball in the penalty area, then took a shot from eight yards. It was her seventh goal of the season.

Lauren Miller registered her sixth goal of the season for Willamette at 77:58, pulling the Bearcats within one goal of the Loggers. Meghan Anderson provided a short through pass that set up Miller's 12-yard shot.

Willamette added a couple more quality attacks before time expired, but the Bearcats were unable to create a shot. UPS finished the game with a 31-7 advantage in total shots and achieved an 11-5 margin in shots on goal. The Bearcats and the Loggers each earned six corner kicks.

Gano provided Willamette with seven saves against UPS and now has 18 saves in WU's last two games. She registered 11 saves in a 0-0 tie in two overtimes against George Fox University on Wednesday, Oct. 10.

Kallie Wolfer made three saves during a complete-game performance for the Loggers. She also played all 90 minutes in the Loggers' 3-2 win over Willamette on Sept. 16 in Tacoma, Wash.

Puget Sound has allowed just five goals all season. Four of the goals have been scored by the Bearcats.

Willamette will play again on Saturday, Oct. 20 at Whitman College. Game time in Walla Walla, Wash., is slated for noon (PDT).

Source: Willamette Athletics

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