Willamette Outshoots Whitworth, but Pirates Win, 1-0

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

SALEM, ORE. -- Willamette University outshot Whitworth University, 16-6, but the Pirates defeated the Bearcats, 1-0, on Sunday, Sept. 22, on a goal by Tiara Pajimola in the second half. Whitworth upped its record to 4-2 overall, 1-1 in the Northwest Conference.

The Bearcats, who were playing their third conference game in five days, fell to 2-5 on the season, 0-3 in the NWC.

Willamette's Sarah Desautels (Jr., MF/F, Snohomish, WA/Glacier Peak HS) led all players with five total shots, including a shot that hit the crossbar and one that hit the post. Whitworth also hit the goal twice.

Pajimola scored the game's only goal at the end of a counter-attack for the Pirates at 62:23. She got past a defender near the top of the penalty box and continued toward the center of the goal, ultimately shooting from 8-yards past WU goalkeeper Nicole Price (Sr., Auburn, WA/Thomas Jefferson HS).

The score was 0-0 for much of the game, despite good opportunities for both teams. Desautels took the first shot that rattled the goal when her blast from outside hit the cross bear near the right post 16:16 into the game. Pajimola hit the crossbar for Whitworth at 31:22.

Just before halftime, Whitworth player Ashley Mjor sent a looping shot from the right side that hit high off the crossbar with two seconds on the clock.

A bit more than six minutes after Whitworth's goal, Desautels hit the post with a shot at 68:25. Including the attempt by Desautels, the Bearcats took nine shots and earned five corner kicks after Pajimola scored for the Pirates.

Willamette had a goal by Rachel Feener (So., F, Olympia, WA/Olympia HS) disallowed in the second half after officials determined that a ball played back from the end line to Feener went out of bounds prior to the pass. The play occurred as one player from each team battled for possession.

In addition to gaining a 16-6 edge in total shots, the Bearcats earned a 12-1 advantage in corner kicks. A total of seven of the corner kicks occurred in the second half.

Despite Willamette's lead in the offensive statistics, both teams finished the game with two shots on target. Shots that hit the crossbar or the post are not considered shots on goal unless they cross the goal line for a score.

The Bearcats will play at home again on Sunday, Sept. 29 against the University of Puget Sound. Game time at Sparks Field is set for 12 p.m. (PDT).