SALEM, Ore. - Kelsey Walker of Willamette University scored on a 20-yard shot from the center of the field into the middle top of the goal with 5:28 left in the first overtime to give the Bearcats a 1-0 victory over Warner Pacific College.

Willamette outshot the Knights 22-13 overall and 10-5 in shots on goal. The Bearcats improved to 2-0, while WPC dropped to 1-1.

Walker received the ball about 23 yards from the goal. She moved around a defender and sent a powerful shot just under the crossbar into the middle of the net at 94:22.
Willamette outshot the Knights 20-12 in regulation, including 8-4 in shots on goal, but the Bearcats were unable to find a goal during the first 90 minutes.

The Knights stayed in the game through the efforts of goalkeeper Cathy Lara, plus several well-timed plays by Warner Pacific defenders. Lara finished the game with nine saves, including four in each of the first two periods.

For most of the second half, the teams played an even battle. Willamette gained momentum in the final eight minutes by taking five shots and forcing two saves. Lara saved a shot by Karmen Chavez-Sam at 86:11 and stopped a shot from Kinsey Keene at 88:10.

With a 0-0 score, the game entered the first of a possible two 10-minute overtime periods. Willamette took two shots during the extra session, while the Knights earned one shot. Each goalie recorded a save before Walker provided the winning goal.

Ashley Giesbers was the top offensive threat for WPC. She led all players with six total shots and three shots on goal.


Story courtesy of WU sports information