Linfield, Ranked #25, Scores Twice in Each Half to Defeat Bearcats, 4-1

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

McMINNVILLE, ORE. -- Linfield College, ranked #25 in this week's NCAA Division III Women's Soccer Poll, scored two goals in each half on its way to a 4-1 victory over Willamette University on Sunday, Oct. 6. The Wildcats' top player, junior forward Emily Fellows, led the way with one goal and one assist.

Fellows provided the first goal at 23:08 on a shot into an empty net after the ball was deflected by a group of players following a corner kick.

The Wildcats increased their lead to 2-0 at 34:06 when Kendra McSheridan pounced on a corner kick that WU goalkeeper Nicole Price (Sr., Auburn, WA/Thomas Jefferson HS) was unable to grab or punch out, and then shot from 15 yards into the goal.

Just over 20 minutes into the second half, Ellie Schmidt tallied a goal for Linfield from close range. Her shot hit the right post and bounced across the goal line. Fellows recorded an assist on the play.

Sara Miller registered Linfield's final goal at 78:54 on a shot from outside the penalty area that hit the far post before entering the net.

Willamette's goal was scored by Sarah Desautels (Jr., MF/F, Snohomish, WA/Glacier Peak HS) at 80:02 on a shot from near midfield into the top of the goal. It was her fourth goal of the season and her second goal in two games.

The Wildcats achieved a 20-4 edge in total shots and an 11-4 advantage in shots on goal. Fellows topped all players with six total shots and four shots on goal. Desautels took three of Willamette's shots. The other shot was contributed by Emma Sanders (Fr., MF, Kennewick, WA/Southridge HS).

Price finished with seven saves for the Bearcats. Linfield goalie Taylor Collinsworth achieved three saves. The Wildcats attained eight corner kicks, while the Bearcats did not have a corner kick.

Linfield upped its record to 9-1 overall, including 5-1 in the Northwest Conference. Willamette fell to 2-8 overall, 0-6 in the NWC.

The Bearcats will take on Pacific University in a Northwest Conference home game on Saturday, Oct. 12. Game time at Sparks Field is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. (PDT).