Bearcats Fall to Oberlin in tight contest

SALEM, Ore. — Willamette University fell to Oberlin College 16–11 on Saturday at Sparks Field. The Bearcats (2-6) capitalized on player-up situations, scoring five goals in such scenarios, including two in the third quarter. Oberlin (9-1) pulled away with a dominant fourth quarter, netting six goals to secure the victory.

The first quarter commenced with both teams establishing their goalkeepers—Olivia Austin for Willamette and Emily Berger for Oberlin. The Bearcats took an early lead when Alex Warfel scored at 12:59, marking her eighth goal of the season. Warfel further extended the lead with a second goal at 8:55, assisted by Priya Mistry. However, Oberlin responded with two goals to level the score, as Megan Hiller scored at 1:49, assisted by Kylie Thompson, and Thompson herself netted a free position goal with just five seconds left, closing the quarter at 2–2.

Oberlin extended its lead early in the second quarter with Kylie Thompson scoring at 14:02 on an assist from Megan Hiller. Hiller continued her offensive contribution with two more goals at 11:24 and 8:03, bringing the score to 6–2 in favor of Oberlin. The Bearcats responded with a player-up goal by Sophie Cendejas at 5:17, followed by a score from Claire Kisielnicki at 4:07, narrowing the gap. Kisielnicki added another player-up goal at 0:41, closing the quarter at 6–5, with a strong defensive effort causing multiple turnovers by Oberlin.

The third quarter saw a series of rapid exchanges between the Bearcats and Oberlin. Maddie Darlington's free position goal at 12:06 gave Oberlin an early lead. Willamette responded with Claire Kisielnicki scoring at 10:27, leveling the score at 7–7. Shelby Wilkinson and Alex Warfel added goals for the Bearcats, with Warfel's player-up goal coming from a free position at 7:27. Oberlin countered with goals from Megan Hiller and Kylie Thompson, drawing the score back to 9–9. Late in the quarter, Olivia Corradi's goal at 3:02 put Oberlin ahead 10–9, concluding a tense and competitive quarter.

Oberlin extended its lead early in the fourth quarter with a free position goal by Maddie Darlington at 11:57, followed by a successful shot from Kylie Thompson, assisted by Megan Hiller, at 10:18. Ale Bernal added another goal for Oberlin at 8:45, increasing the pressure on the Bearcats. Despite Willamette's response with Priya Mistry scoring a player-up goal at 3:10, and Claire Kisielnicki adding another at 1:53, Oberlin maintained its advantage. Mary Rodman sealed the victory for Oberlin with a goal at 1:25, resulting in a 16–11 win for the visitors.

Looking ahead, the Bearcats will face Lewis & Clark in Portland, Oregon. The game is set for Wednesday, April 1 at 7 p.m.