Hishmeh Selected NWC Offensive Student-Athlete of the Week for Third Time

By Robert McKinney, Athletics Communications Director, (503) 370-6110

SALEM, ORE. -- Willamette University forward Yazan Hishmeh (Jr., Ventura, CA/Saint Bonaventure HS) has been chosen as the Northwest Conference Men's Soccer Offensive Student-Athlete of the Week after helping the Bearcats win conference road games on Saturday, Oct. 25 and Sunday, Oct. 26. He recorded his sixth and seventh game-winning goals of the season.

It is the third time that Hishmeh has been selected as the NWC Offensive Student-Athlete of the Week this season.

Hishmeh scored at 72:58 against Pacific Lutheran University on Saturday to break a 2-2 tie and send the Bearcats on their way to a 3-2 win. His goal occurred after a shot by teammate Julian Hanlon-Austin (So., F, Portland, OR/Grant HS) bounced off the crossbar.

Against University of Puget Sound on Sunday, Hishmeh scored on a header following a corner kick at 32:02. Willamette won the game, 1-0.

The pair of road wins improved the Bearcats to 12-4-1 overall and 9-1-1 (28 points) in the NWC. The Bearcats have sole possession of first place in the NWC standings. Whitworth University is second at 8-1-2 (26 points) and Puget Sound is third at 8-2-1 (25 points).

Willamette is ranked #9 in the West Region of NCAA Division III in this week's poll compiled by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America. WU moved up one spot from a week ago.

Hishmeh has been a consistent scorer for the Bearcats this season. He leads the team with 13 goals and two assists for 28 total points. He is tied for first in the NWC in goals scored and is second in overall scoring. He has taken 43 total shots with 22 shots on goal.

Willamette will put first place on the line against Whitworth on Saturday, Nov. 1, when the teams play at Sparks Field. Kickoff is set for 1:30 p.m. (PDT). The Bearcats will conclude the weekend by taking on Whitman College on Sunday, Nov. 2, also at 1:30 p.m.