Redlands Slips Past Bearcats in Overtime, 2-1

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

REDLANDS, CALIF. -- The University of Redlands (Calif.) received a goal from Kaily Benenati 2:57 into overtime to send the Bulldogs to a 2-1 victory over visiting Willamette University in women's soccer action on Friday, Sept. 9. Redlands, ranked #24 in the D3soccer.com Preseason Top 25, improved to 2-0-1. Willamette fell to 0-3-0 with all three losses by a single goal.

Willamette goalkeeper Nicole Price (So., Auburn, WA/Thomas Jefferson HS) earned 16 saves for the Bearcats. She kept WU in the game even though the Bulldogs held a 33-14 edge in total shots. Redlands had 18 shots on goal, while Willamette placed eight shots on target.

WU tallied the game's first goal on a shot by Stephanie Skelly (Sr., MF, Poulsbo, WA/North Kitsap HS) at 16:13. Skelly scored from the right side of the field, placing her shot near the top of the left post. Ariel Wilson (Jr., MF, Fort Collins, CO/Poudre HS) assisted on the play. The Bearcat maintained a 1-0 lead at halftime.

Redlands tied the score at 57:48 when Kendal Pegan sent a shot from the top right corner of the penalty area into the net. The score remained 1-1 until Benenati's goal early in the first sudden-death overtime period. Jamie Morton assisted on the winning goal.

Two goalkeepers played for Redlands. The starter, Linzey Smith played the first 45 minutes, allowed Willamette's goal and recorded four saves. Sabrina Grandke-Bawab played the final 47:57 to earn the win. She earned three saves.

For Willamette Price achieved 12 of her 16 saves in the second half. She has produced 27 saves so far this season, while attaining a save percentage of .818.

Skelly topped Willamette with four total shots, as she placed all four shots on goal. Benenati of Redlands led all players with seven shots and matched Skelly for the game lead with four shots on target.

The Bearcats will remain in California to take on Occidental College on Sunday, Oct. 11. Game time is scheduled for 11 a.m. (PDT).