Main Scores Two Goals as Bearcats Defeat Beacons, 5-0, in Exhibition Game

By Robert McKinney, Assistant Athletics Director, Communications

SALEM, Ore. -- Gena Main (Sr., F, San Francisco, CA/Gateway HS/Bryn Mawr College) scored two goals and three other Bearcats each hit the nets once, as Willamette University defeated Northwest Christian University (Ore.), 5-0, in an exhibition game on Friday, Aug. 23 at Sparks Field. The game counted for Northwest Christian, which fell to 0-1 on the season.

Willamette competes in NCAA Division III and the Northwest Conference. The Beacons compete in the NAIA and the Cascade Collegiate Conference.

The Bearcats struck early when Lacey Jones (Jr., F, Portland, OR/David Douglas HS) scored just 4:14 into the first half. The goal followed a free kick for the Bearcats that sent the ball into the penalty area. Jackie Gilroy (Fy., F/M, Mercer Island, WA/Mercer Island HS) earned a header from the free kick, but her shot was saved by NCU goalkeeper Makenna Hadaller. Jones took control of the rebound and shot into the net.

WU increased its lead to 2-0 at 36:57 on Main's first goal. Main dribbled past a defender to set up her shot from just outside the box. The shot was deflected by Hadaller, but not enough to keep it from crossing the goal line between the posts.

At halftime, the Bearcats held an 11-2 advantage in total shots and a 6-2 edge in shots on goal. Willamette kept possession of the ball for 63% of the opening 45 minutes.

Aoi Sawanobori (So., M, Kofu, Japan/TIUA) scored Willamette's third goal at 56:28. The play was set up by a cross from the left side of the field by Jenae Arnold (Sr., M, Poulsbo, WA/North Kitsap HS). Once again, Hadaller was able to partially divert the ball, but it went to Sawanobori, who scored.

Main scored her second goal less than four minutes later on a penalty kick at 60:24. Main created the initial chance by moving past the goalie. Hadaller responded by tripping Main inside the penalty area. Main converted the penalty kick into the right corner of the goal for a 4-0 lead. The game's final goal was recorded by Clara Mattison (Fy., M, Burlington, WA/Burlington Edison HS) at 83:13, when she sent a header into the net following a corner kick by Rachael Moulton (Sr., D, Seattle, WA/Shorecrest HS).

Willamette outshot the Beacons 29-2 overall, including 18-0 in the second half. The Bearcats finished with a 13-2 edge in shots on goal.

Hadaller registered eight saves for NCU. Kristen Barclay (Sr., GK, Kenmore, WA/Cedar Park Christian School), Grasiela Quevedo-Ramos (Jr., GK, Salem, OR/West Salem HS) and Jordan Roue (So., GK, San Jose, CA/Prospect HS) combined on the shutout for the Bearcats. Barclay played 22 minutes, Quevedo-Ramos was in net for 52 minutes and Roue played 16 minutes. Quevedo-Ramos earned Willamette's two saves.

The Bearcats will take on the Willamette Alumni in the Alumni Game on Sunday, Aug. 25 at Sparks Field. Game time is set for 4 p.m. (PDT). Willamette will open the regular season on Friday, Aug. 30 at Sparks Field against crosstown rival Corban University at 7 p.m.