Bearcats tie with Pioneers

SALEM, Ore. — Willamette University and Lewis & Clark College played to a 2-2 draw on Saturday at Sparks Field. Willamette struck first, but Lewis & Clark equalized before halftime. Both teams added a goal in the second half, with each goalkeeper recording two saves to preserve the tie.

The first half began with the Bearcats actively pressing forward, as Claire Warthen's early shot was saved by Lewis & Clark's goalkeeper. The Bearcats maintained the pressure, with Erica Stotts and Maddee Reid both testing the opposing keeper. The breakthrough came in the 15th minute when Warthen scored, assisted by Natalie Rodriguez-De La Torre, putting the Bearcats ahead 1-0.

Lewis & Clark responded with a goal by Riley Yip in the 30th minute, assisted by Carli Driskill, leveling the score. Despite continued efforts from Rodriguez-De La Torre and others, the half closed with the score tied 1-1.

The second half began with the Bearcats taking advantage early as Warthen found the back of the net at the 54:52 mark, pushing the team ahead 2-1. The Bearcats maintained pressure, with Amanda McArthur and Reid each threatening with shots that narrowly missed the target.

Despite a strong defensive effort, including key saves by Siera Edwards, Lewis & Clark managed to equalize with a penalty goal by Grace Smith in the 85th minute. The half concluded with the score tied at 2-2, as both teams managed to hold each other off in the closing minutes.

Warthen scored two goals and led the Bearcats with four shots, three on target. Rodriguez-De La Torre contributed with an assist and added two shots, one on goal. Edwards played the entire match as goalkeeper, making two saves on seven shots faced.

The next challenge for the Bearcats is a trip to Forest Grove, OR, where they will face Pacific University on October 12. Kickoff is set for noon.