Walker Scores in First Overtime to Send Willamette Past Warner Pacific, 1-0

By Robert McKinney, Athletics Communications Director

SALEM, Ore. -- Kelsey Walker (Jr., M, Westerville, OH/Westerville North HS) of Willamette University scored on a 20-yard shot from the center of the field into the top of the goal with 5:28 left in the first overtime to give the Bearcats a 1-0 victory over Warner Pacific College on Sunday, Sept. 4 at Sparks Field. The Bearcats improved to 2-0, while WPC dropped to 1-1.

Walker received the ball about 23 yards from the goal. She moved around a defender and sent a powerful shot just under the crossbar into the middle of the net at 94:22.

Willamette outshot the Knights 20-12 in regulation, including 8-4 in shots on goal, but the Bearcats were unable to find a goal during the first 90 minutes.

The Knights stayed in the game through the efforts of goalkeeper Kathy Lara, plus several well-time plays by Warner Pacific defenders. Lara finished the game with nine saves, including four in each of the first two periods.

For most of the second half, the teams played an even battle. Willamette gained momentum in the final eight minutes by taking five shots and forcing two saves. Lara saved a shot by Karmen Chavez-Sam at 86:11 and stopped a shot from Kinsey Keene at 88:10.

With a 0-0 score, the game entered the first of a possible two 10-minute overtime periods. Willamette took two shots during the extra session, while the Knight earned one shot. Each goalie recorded a save before Walker provided the winning goal.

Lara saved a shot by WU's Emmy Manset (Jr., F, Ventura, CA/Foothill Technology HS) at 91:01. Kristen Barclay (Fr., GK, Kenmore, WA/Cedar Park Christian School), who played in goal for the Bearcats during the second half and overtime, registered her fourth save at 92:11 on a shot by Sitera Allison.

Barclay recorded the win in her first collegiate appearance. She combined on the shutout with Emily Sewall (Sr., GK, Petaluma, CA/Casa Grande HS), who earned one save while playing the first 45 minutes.

Ashley Giesbergs was the top offensive threat for WPC. She led all players with six total shots and three shots on goals. Walker took four total shots for Willamette, while Manset and Liz Stewart (So., D/F, Sisters, OR/Sisters HS/Texas Christian University) registered three shots. The Bearcats achieved a 7-2 edge in corner kicks.

The Bearcats will host California Lutheran University at Sparks Field on Friday, Sept. 9. Game time is scheduled for 5 p.m. (PDT). The Willamette men's soccer team will complete the doubleheader by taking on University of California, Santa Cruz at 7:30 p.m.