Bearcats Sink Pacific

SALEM, Ore. — Willamette University (6-9, 4-3) secured a decisive 15-6 victory over Pacific University (Ore.) (8-7, 2-5) on Wednesday at Spark Field. The Bearcats dominated the second and third quarters, scoring five goals in each, while limiting Pacific to just one goal per quarter during that stretch. The home team capitalized on its opportunities with a strong showing in ground balls, collecting 24 compared to Pacific's 23.

The first quarter opened with defensive stands from both sides before the Bearcats broke through. Shelby Wilkinson capitalized on a ground ball recovery by Claire Kisielnicki, scoring the first goal for the Bearcats. Pacific equalized late in the quarter when Cameron Cabuco converted a free position shot, bringing the score to 1-1. Both teams exchanged turnovers and ground ball pickups, with goalkeepers Jocelyn Taylor and Olivia Austin making key saves to keep the game tied at the end of the quarter.

The Bearcats extended their lead in the second quarter with decisive scoring plays. Priya Mistry opened the quarter with a goal, assisted by Wilkinson, marking her 36th goal of the season. Kisielnicki capitalized on a player-up opportunity with a free position goal. Mistry added another goal, assisted by Alex Warfel, shortly after a save by Austin. Wilkinson then scored twice, including a goal with just 24 seconds remaining, assisted by Kisielnicki. Despite a late goal by Pacific's Cabuco from a free position, the Bearcats maintained a strong 5-1 quarter advantage, bringing the score to 6-2 at the end of the half.

Continuing their strong offensive performance in the third quarter, the Bearcats extended their lead over Pacific. Brooklynn Pearl opened the scoring with a goal, assisted by Mistry. Shortly after, Warfel added two goals, both assisted by Mistry, increasing the Bearcats' advantage. Catie Mohr capitalized on a free position attempt, further boosting the score. Despite a goal from Pacific's Ellena Willingham, Wilkinson sealed the quarter for the Bearcats with a free position goal, leaving the score at 11-3 in favor of the home team.

In the final quarter, the Bearcats' Pearl led with a standout performance, scoring three goals, including one from a free position. Pacific responded with a goal by Sarah Quade, assisted by Willingham, but the Bearcats maintained the lead. Alexandra Miller extended the home team's advantage with a goal, assisted by Kisielnicki. Despite a late goal by Pacific's Erin Casey, the Bearcats secured a 15-6 victory.

Looking ahead, the next challenge for the Bearcats is a match against Linfield on Sunday, April 26. The game is set for 1 p.m. at Linfield's venue in McMinnville, Oregon.