Bearcats Cut Down the Loggers

SALEM, Ore. — Willamette University (4-7, 2-1) secured a decisive 18–2 victory over the University of Puget Sound (4-6, 0-2) on Sunday at Sparks Field. The Bearcats dominated early, leading 8–0 after the first quarter and extending the lead to 13–2 by halftime. They recorded two player-up goals in the second quarter and totaled 42 shots throughout the game. Puget Sound was limited to only nine shots, with its two goals coming in the second quarter.

The game commenced with Willamette taking control early, as Claire Kisielnicki scored the opening goal, assisted by Shelby Wilkinson. Alex Warfel then extended the lead, following a setup from Kisielnicki. The Bearcats' dominance continued with Priya Mistry scoring, again assisted by Wilkinson. Warfel added two more goals to her tally, bringing her season total to 21. Kisielnicki and Alexandra Miller also contributed to the scoring, with Warfel concluding the quarter with her impactful play. Willamette finished the first quarter ahead 8–0, demonstrating strong offensive momentum.

In the second quarter, Willa Twomey of Puget Sound secured two early goals, including one from a free position shot, to bring the score to 8–2. Willamette responded with a strong offensive push, beginning with another goal by Warfel. Miller capitalized on a player-up situation with a free position goal, followed by Mistry's score, assisted by Brooklynn Pearl, extending Willamette's lead to 11–2. Kisielnicki added another goal, and Wilkinson closed the quarter with a goal herself, bringing the Bearcats to a 13–2 advantage.

Willamette extended its lead in the third quarter, starting with a goal by Warfel, assisted by Mistry. Syd Shoemaker's draw control prowess continued to fuel the team's momentum. Miller added another goal, also with an assist from Mistry. Despite multiple draw controls and caused turnovers by Puget Sound, they were unable to penetrate the defense effectively. Willamette's Addie Martin made key saves, including one against a shot by Twomey, preserving the shutout for the quarter and maintaining the lead at 15–2.

In the fourth quarter, the Bearcats secured their victory with a dominant performance, adding three more goals to their tally. Wilkinson scored her 15th goal of the season, followed by Pearl's first goal of the season. Adelyn Tucker also found the back of the net, marking her inaugural goal of the season as well. Puget Sound struggled offensively, with several turnovers and failed clear attempts, while Willamette maintained control and solidified a decisive 18–2 win.

In their next game, the Bearcats will be traveling to face George Fox on Sunday, April 12 at 1 p.m. The matchup will take place in Newberg, Oregon.