Willamette Shuts Down George Fox, 2-0

By John Lind, Assistant Athletics Communications Director

SALEM, ORE. -- Willamette University used a quick start and aggressive play to hold Northwest Conference foe George Fox University scoreless while notching a goal during each half en route to a 2-0 victory over the Bruins on Saturday, Oct. 13.

Willamette upped its record to 5-8-1 on the season, 3-6-1 in the Northwest Conference. George Fox fell to 4-8-1 overall, 2-6-1 in the NWC.

The Bearcats goals came from Sarah Desautels (F, So., Snohomish, Wash./Glacier Peak HS) and Paige Lancourt (MF, Jr., Eagle, Idaho(Eagle HS).

Willamette dominated play from the get-go, rarely allowing the ball into its half over the first ten minutes and fluidly connecting passes. The Bearcats outshot George Fox 7-1 in the first half, and 13-3 for the game.

Willamettes first goal came at almost 20 minutes in. Desautels collected the ball in front of the goal and fired in into the lower right corner of the net. The unassisted score was Desautels third goal of the season.

Lancourts goal at the 75:50 mark was the result of good timing and surprise. After a skirmish for possession, Ariel Wilson (MF, Sr., Fort Collins, Colo.(Poudre HS) found Lancourt on the right side of the field with a pass. Lancourt took a touch past the defender and blasted a soaring shot from 30 yards out that dropped behind Bruin keeper Alyssa Montero. The goal was Lancourts second of the season.

Desautels led the Willamette with five shots on the day, and was one of seven Bearcats to take a shot. Willamette recorded eight shots on goal.

Defensively, Nicole Price (GK, Jr., Auburn, Wash./Thomas Jefferson HS) recorded one save, which was also the Bruins only shot on goal of the game. Prices clean sheet was her third of the season, and second against George Fox.

The Bearcats resume action tomorrow (Sunday, Oct. 14) against Northwest Conference rival Linfield College in McMinnville, Ore. Game time is set for 12 p.m.