FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – October 2nd, 2026
Gresham, Ore.| The Warner Pacific University women's soccer team picked up an important conference victory today, using a strong second-half performance to defeat Bushnell University, 3-1, at Eastside Timbers Sports Complex. The victory improves the Knights to 3-3-1 overall and 2-2-0 in conference play.
Warner Pacific wasted little time getting on the scoreboard. After
Katya Tercek forced a save in the third minute,
Kylie Warner broke through in the sixth minute, finding the back of the net to give the Knights an early 1-0 advantage.
The Knights continued creating opportunities throughout the opening half.
Annabelle Demmon put an attempt on frame in the 25th minute, while Tercek finished the half with three shots. Bushnell increased its pressure late in the period, but Warner Pacific goalkeeper Evelyn Montiel made a pair of first-half saves to preserve the 1-0 advantage heading into the break.
Warner Pacific came out of halftime with renewed energy and doubled its lead in the 54th minute.
Mira Thornton finished an opportunity set up by
Emily Robinett, giving the Knights a 2-0 advantage.
Bushnell responded in the 67th minute when Elidia Cervantes Carlos converted a penalty kick, cutting Warner Pacific's lead to 2-1. The Beacons continued applying pressure as they searched for an equalizer, but Montiel and the Knights' defense held firm. Montiel made several key saves in the second half to keep Warner Pacific in front.
The Knights then delivered the finishing blow in the 84th minute when
Kasia Lopez found the back of the net to restore Warner Pacific's two-goal advantage at 3-1. WPU protected the lead over the closing minutes to secure the conference victory.
Warner Pacific finished the match with 10 total shots, six on goal and four corner kicks. Tercek led the Knights with four shots and two attempts on goal, while Warner, Thornton and Lopez each scored once. Robinett recorded the Knights' lone assist.
Montiel turned in a strong performance in goal, playing all 90 minutes and recording six saves while allowing just the one penalty-kick goal. Bushnell finished with 14 shots and seven attempts on target, but the Knights' defense limited the Beacons to one goal.
Following the victory, Warner Pacific head coach
Greg Pfleger praised his team's response and resilience.
"Today was a solid team performance. We struggled a little late in the first half but the team came back out strong in the second half and showed great resilience to earn a good win against a quality opponent. I'm really proud of the way they responded," Pfleger said.
Next Up
The Knights will look to continue today's momentum into Sunday when they will play Corban University at 10:30am out at Eastside Timbers Complex.
