Whitman Shuts Out Bearcats, 3-0, in Walla Walla

By Robert McKinney, Athletics Communications Director, (503) 370-6110

WALLA WALLA, WASH. -- Kristen Berndt of Whitman College scored two goals, including the game's opening goal just 3:24 in the contest, as the Missionaries defeated visiting Willamette University, 3-0, in a Northwest Conference game on Saturday, Oct. 20. Berndt, who now has eight goals on the season, beat a defender, then placed a low shot into the corner of the goal to give Whitman its early lead. Berndt added the game's final goal with nine minutes left.

Whitman upped its record to 7-5-3 on the season, including 6-3-2 in the NWC. Willamette dropped to 4-7-2, 3-6-2 in the NWC.

Berndt's first goal was assisted by Corina Gabbert and Sarah Nostdal. The quick strike held up over the next 60 minutes until Liz Forbes gave the Missionaries a 2-0 lead with her first goal of the season at 63:16. The goal by Forbes was recorded after a partial save by Willamette goalkeeper Kelli Gano (Fr., Portland, OR/Cleveland HS). Alysse Ginkel received an assist on the play.

The third goal for Whitman followed a defensive miscue by the Bearcats. Lo Holahan (Jr., GK, Anacortes, WA/Anacortes HS), who played the final 24 minutes in goal, saved a shot by Gabbert, but kicked the ensuing punt off the side of her foot and into a defender. It was recovered by Gabbert,who fed Berndt for the goal.

Whitman, which has outscored its last for opponents by a 12-1 margin, outshot the Bearcats 28-10 overall. Whitman also held an 11-2 advantage in shots on goal. The Bearcats claimed a 4-3 edge in corner kicks.

Kelsey Rogel (Jr., F/D, Tacoma, WA/Bellarmine Prep) took both of Willamette's shots on goal. One of her shots was a point-blank effort midway through the second half that Whitman goalie Courtney Porter saved. The save by Porter allowed the Missionaries to retain their 1-0 lead at the time.

Gano registered eight saves and Holahan earned two saves for the Bercats. Porter made two saved while recording the shutout for Whitman.

Willamette remains on the road to play Whitworth University in a Northwest Conference game on Sunday, Oct. 21. Kickoff in Spokane, Wash., is slated for 12 p.m. (PDT).