Bearcats Beat Bruins in Overtime 1-0 at Sparks Field

By Sara Brooks, Assistant Athletics Communications Director, (503) 370-6219

SALEM, ORE. -- The Willamette University women's soccer team defeated visiting George Fox 1-0 in overtime on Saturday, Oct. 17. Willamette moves to 7-6-1 overall and 6-4-0 in the Northwest Conference. George Fox falls to 6-8-0 overall and 3-7-0 in the NWC.

Sophomore Stephanie Skelly (MF, Poulsbo, WA/North Kitsap HS) scored the only goal of the game just 1:30 into overtime. Her cross from the right side deflected off of the George Fox goalkeeper and just crossed the goal line. It was Skelly's fifth goal of the season.

Once again, the combination of junior Kelli Gano (GK, Portland, OR/Cleveland HS) and sophomore Jill Schneeman (GK, Burien, WA/Mount Rainier HS) proved to be successful for the Bearcats. With each 'keeper playing a half, Willamette held George Fox scoreless. Willamette's defense was key, limiting George Fox to just three total shots with one shot on goal.

For the game, Willamette registered 17 shots. Skelly led the way with four shots, including two shots on goal. Play was clean during the game, as just five fouls were called during the match.

George Fox keeper Becka Doyle made four saves in her 91 minutes of play. Doyle was the losing 'keeper for the Bruins and Schneeman was the winning 'keeper for the Bearcats.

Willamette is back in action on Sunday, Oct. 18 at Lewis & Clark College. Game time is set for 12 p.m. (PDT). The Bearcats defeated the Pioneers, 2-0, earlier this season.