Women's Soccer Drops Close Game, 1-0, to Pacific Lutheran

By Sara Elcano, Assistant Athletics Communications Director

TACOMA, WASH. -- The Pacific Lutheran University Lutes scored a goal with 7:47 remaining in the match and held off the Willamette University Bearcats to earn a 1-0 victory on Friday, Nov. 5 in Northwest Conference women's soccer action. Willamette fell to 6-11-2 overall and 5-8-2 in the NWC. Pacific Lutheran moved to 4-13-1 overall and 4-10-1 in the NWC.

The Lutes scored when Courtney Walker took a free kick toward the Willamette goal. Alex Murray was the first to get to the ball and put it past the Willamette goalkeeper for the game-winning goal. The goal was Murray's first goal of the season and first of her career at PLU.

The Bearcats controlled the ball for most of the first half. WU hit the crossbar twice during the game. The Bearcats out-shot the Lutes, 12-7, in the first half.

In the second half Pacific Lutheran took more control of the ball. PLU out-shot the Bearcats 6-3 in the second half.

Lauren Chambard earned the win in goal for the Lutes. Chambard made four saves during the game.

Senior Kelli Gano (GK, Portland, OR/Cleveland HS) made three saves for WU in goal but earned the loss.

The team will conclude its season at Pacific University on Saturday, Nov. 6. The game against the Boxers will begin at 11 a.m. (PDT).