Bearcats Plunder the Pirates

SALEM, Ore. — Willamette University (6-9, 4-3) secured a decisive 16-9 victory over Whitworth University (6-10, 2-5) at Sparks Field on Sunday. The Bearcats' offense was propelled by three player-up goals and a strong start, scoring four goals in the first quarter and maintaining momentum throughout the match. Whitworth managed a late surge with four goals in the third quarter but was unable to close the gap, concluding the game with a total of nine goals.

The first quarter began with the Bearcats securing the draw control, but an early turnover gave Whitworth a chance to counter. Willamette's Shelby Wilkinson opened the scoring with a free position goal, marking her 16th of the season. Priya Mistry extended Willamette's lead to 2-0 with a player-up goal, assisted by Wilkinson. Whitworth responded with goals from Campbell Vincent and Sierra Witte, tying the game at 2-2. Willamette regained the lead with Alex Warfel's goal, but Vincent's second goal tied it again. Mistry ended the quarter's scoring with a goal, assisted by Brooklynn Pearl, giving the Bearcats a 4-3 lead.

Willamette extended its lead over Whitworth with a dominant second quarter, securing a 5-0 scoring advantage. Claire Kisielnicki was instrumental, netting three goals, including a free position shot and a player-up goal just before the buzzer. Pearl and Warfel each contributed with a goal, as Pearl also controlled two critical draws. Whitworth struggled offensively, failing multiple clear attempts and committing several turnovers, while the Bearcats' defense, led by goalie Olivia Austin's key saves, held strong. The quarter concluded with Willamette leading 9-3.

Early in the third quarter, Willamette capitalized on a player-up opportunity with Mistry scoring her 35th goal of the season. Kisielnicki added to the lead with another goal. Whitworth responded with goals from Witte and Jordyn Bennett, narrowing the deficit. Wilkinson found the net twice for Willamette, including a goal from an assist by Mistry. Vincent scored for Whitworth, assisted by Rose Frezza, rounding out the quarter evenly with both teams scoring four goals each.

The Bearcats maintained their lead in the fourth quarter, starting with a free position goal by Pearl, her third of the season. Kisielnicki extended the lead with two goals, bringing her season total to 33. Whitworth responded with Witte scoring twice, including a player-up goal assisted by Vincent with 27 seconds remaining. Despite Whitworth's late efforts, Willamette secured a 16-9 victory.

Up next for the Bearcats is a home game against Pacific on Wednesday, April 22 at 6 p.m. in Salem, Oregon.