Bearcats Drop NWC Opener to Pioneers, 2-0

By Mark Colachico, Interim Assistant Athletics Communications Director

PORTLAND, ORE. -- In the Northwest Conference opener Wednesday at Griswold Stadium, Willamette University could not overcome a pair of second half goals by Lewis & Clark College (Ore.) falling by the final score of 2-0.

After a scoreless opening 45 minutes with the Bearcats holding a 6-to-5 advantage in total shots that included a 4-to-1 difference in shots on goal, Lewis & Clark capitalized on two second half shots that found the back of the net for the final tally.

In the 51st minute, the Pioneers' Annelise Coxeff netted her second goal of the season on an assist by Anna Thorndike that gave Lewis & Clark the lead.

Just under 36 minutes later, L&C put home another goal when Emily Thompson scored her third goal of the season on an assist by Coxeff at 87:03. The scoring play would unfold on a give-and-go by the duo that found Thompson in a one-on-one situation where she beat Willamette's keeper to the left from the right side of the goal for the two-goal difference.

The second half would belong with Lewis & Clark, as the Pioneers tallied 10 shots compared to Willamette's two. The visiting Bearcats would only get one shot on goal over the final 45 minutes when Emma Sanders (So., MF, Kennewick, WA/Southridge HS) nearly put home the equalizer at 75:29 off a corner kick by Kelsey Walker (Fr., MF, Westerville, OH/Westerville North HS).

WU goalkeeper Emily Sewell (So., GK, Petaluma, CA/Casa Grande HS) was charged with the unfortunate loss despite making four saves, while Lewis & Clark's Geena Fong tallied a game-high five saves en route to picking up the shutout.

Overall, Lewis & Clark ended the game with a seven shot advantage (15-to-8) that also included a slim 6-to-5 margin in shots on goal. Both teams earned four corner kicks, while Lewis & Clark was whistled for 12 fouls versus Willamette's nine.

Along with their goals, Thompson and Coxeff led the Pioneers with four and three shots, respectively, while Kylie Carera and Taylor Hudson tallied two shots each for Lewis & Clark.

Willamette will return to action on Saturday, Sept. 20, against Whitman College (Wash.). Game time is slated for 12 p.m. (PDT) in Walla Walla, Washington.