Pacific Slips Past Bearcats in Overtime, 2-1

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

FOREST GROVE, ORE. -- McKenna Davidson of Pacific University scored a goal with 1:02 left in the first overtime period to send the Boxers to a 2-1 victory over visiting Willamette University in a Northwest Conference women's soccer game on Saturday, Oct. 6. Davidson scored from about six yards out after receiving a short pass after a corner kick.

Pacific upped its record to 5-3-3 overall, 3-3-1 in the NWC. Willamette fell to 4-6-1 overall, 2-4-1 in the NWC. Three of Willamette's NWC games have gone to overtime, with the Bearcats earning a 1-1-1 record in those games.

During the first half, Willamette built up a 9-2 advantage in total shots, including 3-0 in shots on goal. Despite having more offensive opportunities, the Bearcats were unable to hit the net, as Brittany Hartmann registered five save for Pacific, and the score remained 0-0 at the break.

The Boxers took a 1-0 lead early in the second half when Sarah Tuffey scored from a few yards out at 46:45. Anna Richardson received an assist for her crossing pass that set up the goal.

Willamette equalized at 62:38 on a goal by Sarah Desautels (So., F, Snohomish, WA/Glacier Park HS). She scored unassisted on a shot from 20 yards away.

Neither team scored during the remainder of regulation, but both goalies earned key saves to keep the score tied.

Hartmann of Pacific stopped two shots by Paige Lancourt (Jr., MF, Eagle, ID/Eagle HS) just 30 seconds apart at 65:41 and 66:11. Later in the game, goalkeeper Nicole Price (Jr., Auburn, WA/Thomas Jefferson HS) registered saves on Chandler Bowen at 84:39, Tuffey at 86:14 and Anna Richardson at 87:50.

The Bearcats and the Boxers prepared for overtime.

Pacific outshot Willamette 5-1 during the sudden-death overtime period. Tuffey took the first three shots, when one going wide, one saved by Price and one blocked by the WU defense. Richardson also shot wide, before Ashland Bernard (So., F, Kirkland, WA/Juanita HS) of Willamette forced Hartmann to make a save at 95:43.

The Boxers scored the winning goal after earning a corner kick at 98:49. Shortly after the corner Caitlin Castillo made a short pass to Davidson, who shot in to the goal from inside the 6-yard goalie box.

Willamette finished the game with a 17-14 edge in total shots and a 9-8 margin in shots on goal. Hartmann recorded eight saves for the Boxers, while Price achieved six saves for the Bearcats. Pacific gained a slim 4-3 margin in corner kicks.

The Bearcats will play again on Sunday, Oct. 7, when they are scheduled to host Pacific Lutheran University at Sparks Field. Kickoff is set for 12 p.m. (PDT).