Rogel Chosen NWC Offensive Student-Athlete of the Week

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

SALEM, ORE. -- Willamette University defender Kelsey Rogel (Sr., Tacoma, WA/Bellarmine Prep), whose powerful free kicks have contributed to the Bearcats' attack throughout the season, has been named NWC Women's Soccer Offensive Student-Athlete of the Week for her efforts in wins on Oct. 25 and Oct. 26. Rogel earned a total of four assists during the week.

The Bearcats rallied from deficits in both games to earn victories that moved Willamette into sole possession of second place in the NWC. Willamette is now 8-4 in conference play (24 points in the standings).

The University of Puget Sound leads the conference at 12-0 (36 points). The Bearcats hold a two-point lead over Whitworth University, which is in third place at 7-4-1 (22 points). Whitman College ranks fourth at 6-5-1 (19 points).

Against George Fox University on Saturday, Oct. 25, the Bearcats trailed 1-0 on a goal by the Bruins early in the second half, but scored the game's final two goals for a 2-1 triumph. On Sunday, Oct. 26 at Lewis & Clark College, WU fell behind 2-0 in the first half, but tied the game prior to halftime and scored twice in the final period for a 4-2 win.

Rogel used a corner kick to assist on the Bearcats' tying goal against George Fox, then earned three assists on free kicks versus L&C. She assisted on WU's first goal against the Pioneers, then added assists on the final two scores of the game.

The Bearcats, 10-6 overall, will return to action on Saturday, Nov. 1 in a home game with NWC rival Pacific Lutheran University. Kickoff at Sparks Field is set for 11 a.m. (PDT).