Bearcats struggle with Sagehens

SALEM, Ore. — Willamette University fell to Pomona-Pitzer Colleges 22-0 on Tuesday at Sparks Field. Despite the loss, the Bearcats' defense managed 14 ground balls and forced six turnovers. Pomona-Pitzer (8-0) maintained its unbeaten record, capitalizing on four player-up goals. The Bearcats (2-3) will look to rebound in their next contest.

Pomona-Pitzer took control early in the first quarter, with Piper Higgins scoring the opening goal at 13:59 from a free position shot. Gwynn Sullivan, assisted by Taylor Glanville, followed with another goal at 13:11, extending the visitor's lead to 2-0. The offensive surge continued with Nora Leblanc and Maria Favret adding to the tally, bringing the score to 4-0 by 11:17. Despite efforts from the Bearcats, including a save by Olivia Austin, Pomona-Pitzer's attack remained relentless. Higgins scored again at 8:50, while Madeleine Trapp and Ruby Gibbs each contributed, pushing the score to 7-0. The quarter concluded with Favret's buzzer-beater goal at 00:02, leaving Pomona-Pitzer with an 8-0 advantage.

Pomona-Pitzer dominated the second quarter, scoring eight unanswered goals to extend its lead. Birdie Hawkins initiated the scoring at 11:52 with a player-up goal, assisted by M Miranda Wiltberger. Madelyn Katz followed with a goal less than a minute later, and Carly Katzman added a free position goal at 9:01. Favret, Audrey Jacklyn, and Catherine Faucette each contributed to the scoring run, with Faucette securing two goals, including one with just 15 seconds remaining. The Bearcats struggled to maintain possession and clear the ball efficiently, resulting in multiple turnovers and penalties.

Pomona-Pitzer continued their dominance in the third quarter, scoring five unanswered goals against the Bearcats. Zaina Sayeed opened with a goal at 12:39, marking her seventh of the season. Grace Tighe extended the lead with her first goal of the season at 10:04, assisted by Ella Bradley. River Buechner and Caili Cross contributed goals, both also assisted by Bradley. Katz concluded the quarter's scoring with a goal at 1:07. Pomona-Pitzer's defense held firm, blocking attempts by the Bearcats, including a save by Cailey Brousseau against Claire Kisielnicki. The quarter ended with Pomona-Pitzer ahead 21-0.

Pomona-Pitzer initiated the scoring in the final quarter with a goal by M Miranda Wiltberger, assisted by Bradley, at 13:57, increasing its lead. The Bearcats struggled to break through Pomona-Pitzer's defense, with Alex Warfel and Kisielnicki having their attempts blocked and turnovers hindering offensive momentum. Austin made a critical save at 4:04, denying a shot from Sayeed, while also picking up a ground ball at 2:00 to help stabilize the defense. Despite efforts to clear and regain possession, the Bearcats were unable to capitalize, resulting in a 22-0 finish in favor of Pomona-Pitzer.

Willamette has an overall record of 2-3. Pomona-Pitzer remains undefeated with a record of 8-0.

Looking ahead, the Bearcats will face Redlands in Redlands, California, on Monday, March 23, at 6 p.m.