Bearcats steamroll Mountaineers

SALEM, Ore. — Willamette University (1-0, 0-0) decisively defeated Eastern Oregon University (0-1, 0-0) 20-2 on Saturday at Sparks Field. The Bearcats' offense was led by a strong performance, scoring seven goals in the first quarter alone and maintaining consistent pressure throughout the game. The defense held Eastern Oregon to just two goals, both coming in the fourth quarter, while forcing 20 turnovers.

The first quarter commenced with Shelby Wilkinson gaining the draw control for Willamette, setting the tone for a dominant performance. Claire Kisielnicki opened the scoring at 14:11 with assistance from Priya Mistry, quickly followed by another goal from Kisielnicki, assisted by Syd Shoemaker, at 13:25. The Bearcats continued to capitalize on their momentum with goals from Shoemaker at 8:35 and Mistry at 7:16. Wilkinson added to the lead with a goal at 7:04. Kisielnicki completed a hat trick with a free position goal at 5:23, prompting a timeout by Eastern Oregon. Shoemaker capped off the quarter with a second goal at 0:16, assisted by Alex Warfel, securing a 7-0 lead for Willamette.

The Bearcats extended their lead over Eastern Oregon with a dominant second quarter, scoring five unanswered goals. Mistry initiated the scoring at 14:06 with her second goal of the season, followed by two consecutive goals from Sophie Cendejas at 13:17 and 12:50, both assisted by Alexandra Miller. Wilkinson added another goal at 11:25, assisted by Mistry, to further cement Willamette's control. Kisielnicki capped the quarter with a goal at 8:52, bringing the home team's lead to 12-0 by the end of the second quarter. Eastern Oregon struggled to respond, with a key free position attempt by Grace Winebarger at 10:08 saved by Olivia Austin, maintaining the shutout.

The Bearcats extended their lead during the third quarter with a series of successful plays. Kisielnicki scored twice, first at 11:57 with an assist from Mistry and again at 7:08, bringing her season total to six goals. Mistry added another goal at 5:40, marking her third of the season. Warfel capped off the quarter with a goal at 00:46, his first of the season. Wilkinson was instrumental in maintaining possession, securing several draw controls for Willamette. Eastern Oregon struggled to capitalize on their opportunities, with multiple failed clear attempts and turnovers. The quarter ended with a commanding 16-0 lead for the Bearcats.

The Bearcats maintained control in the fourth quarter, opening with Mistry scoring her fourth and fifth goals of the season at 13:51 and 11:10. Miller provided an assist on Mistry's first goal of the quarter and later assisted Shoemaker's goal at 08:53. Eastern Oregon responded with Gemma Gonzales converting a free position shot at 07:34 for her first goal of the season, followed by Jade McCoy's goal at 04:50. Willamette's Danica Doskocil added to the lead with her first goal of the season at 05:48. The Bearcats' defense, highlighted by a turnover caused by Jay Shiflett, successfully held off any further advances, securing a decisive victory with a final score of 20-2.

Willamette holds a record of 1-0 overall. Eastern Oregon stands at 0-1 overall.