Athletics

Bearcat Women are Eighth, Men are Ninth, after Day #1 of Northwest Invitational

2009-11-22T06:56:44Z

PORTLAND, ORE. -- The Willamette University women's swimming team is in eighth place and the Bearcat men's swimming team is in ninth place following the first day of the Northwest Invitational on Saturday, Nov. 21. The two-day event, which will conclude on Sunday, is being hosted by Lewis & Clark College.

FIRST DAY RESULTS

Northwest Invitational
Portland, Ore.
Nov. 21, 2009

The University of Puget Sound was at the top of the women's team standings with 420 points. Whitworth University held second place at 306 and Whitman College was third at 191.

California State University-East Bay was fourth with 150 points, while Pacific Lutheran University was fifth at 147, Linfield College was sixth at 146, Lewis & Clark was seventh at 104, Willamette was eighth at 80, Pacific University was ninth at 76, and the College of Idaho was eighth with 18 points.

Gwen Schulze (Sr., Silverdale, WA//Central Kitsap HS/Austin College) of Willamette took eighth place in the women's 200-yard backstroke with a time of 2:21.10. Schulze also finished ninth in the women's 200-yard individual medley with a time of 2:23.12.

Kayla Kosaki (Fr., Hilo, HI/Walakea HS) provided the Bearcats with 11th place in the 200-yard butterfly. She recorded a time of 2:29.74. Lauren Ballinger (Fr., Wenatchee, WA/Wenatchee HS) placed 13th in the 100-yard freestyle, as she achieved a time of 58.14 seconds. Jenna Larrow (Sr., Boise, ID/Timberline HS) was 15th in the 500-yard freestyle after clocking in at 5:44.14.

Willamette took seventh in the women's 400-yard medley relay. Schulze, Janelle Higashida (So., Kaneohe, HI/Hawaii Baptist Academy), Kara Koetje (So., Arlington, WA/Stanwood HS) and Ballinger swam the event for Wu and registered a time of 4:23.72.

In the men's competition, Whitworth held first place with 368 points. Puget Sound was second with 324 points, while Whitman was third at 260 points.

Pacific Lutheran followed in fourth place at 162.5. Pacific was fifth at 142.5, Linfield was sixth at 128, the College of Idaho was seventh at 115, Lewis & Clark was eighth at 106 and Willamette was ninth at 18.

Jason Munson-McGee (So., Las Cruces, NM/Las Cruces HS) of Willamette placed 10th in the men's 200-yard backstroke. He completed the race in 2:22.58.

For Willamette in the 200-yard butterfly, Kevin Tangeman (Sr., Sherwood, OR/Sherwood HS) was 12th and Ian McGahan (Fr., Tacoma, WA/Stadium HS) was 13th. Tangeman recorded a time of 2:25.35. McGahan was timed at 2:29.17.

For More Information:
Robert McKinney, Athletics Communications Director, (503) 370-6110

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Malley Scores 24 Points as Bearcats Hold Off Stags, 94-86

2009-11-22T06:01:33Z

SALEM, ORE. -- Willamette University received 24 points from freshman guard Terrell Malley (Portland, OR/Roosevelt HS) and withstood a late rally by Claremont-Mudd-Scripps, as the Bearcats defeated the Stags, 94-86, at Cone Field House on Saturday, Nov. 21. Willamette and CMS are both 1-1 on the season.

BOX SCORE

Willamette University 94
Claremont-Mudd-Scripps 86

Willamette led 84-70 with 2:52 remaining, but had to hold off the Stags in the final minute.

CMS pulled within four points, 90-86, on a layup by Chris Blees with 35 seconds left. After Cody Pastorino (Fr., G, Glenn, CA/Willows HS) of WU missed two free throws at the line with 32 seconds left, CMS had a chance to get closer, but Bryant Oberg missed a jump shot with 27 seconds to go.

Taylor Mounts rebounded Oberg's miss to get possession for Willamette. Mounts was fouled and made both free throws for a 92-86 lead. Pastorino added two free throws for the Bearcats with 14 seconds remaining.

Malley's 24 points included 13 of 15 shooting at the free throw line. Marcus Holmes (Jr., G, Seattle, WA/Garfield HS) and Taylor Mounts (So., Post, Kailua, HI/Iolani School) each scored 17 points for the Bearcats, with Mounts adding seven boards and five blocked shots. Cameron Mitchell (Sr., Post, Portland, OR/Grant HS/Univ. of Redlands) scored 12 points and grabbed 15 rebounds.

For CMS, Chris Blees finished with 32 points, 17 rebounds and five steals. Michael Bagby provided 20 points and Jason Toney added 10 points for the Stags.

Claremont-Mudd-Scripps scored the game's first basket on a jumper by Blees, but the Bearcats never trailed the rest of the game. Holmes hit a 3-pointer with 18:34 left in the half to put WU in front 3-2 and start a 10-0 run for the Bearcats. Mounts sank a 3-pointer with 16:39 on the clock to complete the run.

Later, the Bearcats led 17-7 after a trifecta by Pastorino with 14:20 remaining in the half. The lead reached 16 points at 31-15 following a layup by Malley at the 7:57 mark. CMS countered with an 8-0 run to cut the lead to eight points, but Willamette tallied the next two baskets. WU owned a 46-35 advantage at halftime.

Willamette continued to maintain a double-digit lead for most of the second half. The Bearcats achieved their largest lead when Malley sank two free throws with 11:13 remaining for a 69-51 margin. WU remained in front by at least 10 points until the Stags started their final run in the last three minutes.

The Bearcats connected on 44.6% of their shots (25 of 56), including 9 of 23 on 3-pointers (39.1%). Willamette also converted 35 of 47 free throws (74.5%).

Claremont-Mudd-Scripps finished the game at 38.0% on field goals (30 of 79). The Stags hit just 5 of 26 three-point attempts (19.2%) and made 21 of 35 free throws (60.0%)

The game featured 58 total fouls plus a technical foul on the CMS bench. CMS was called for 33 of the fouls, while Willamette picked up 25 fouls. Toney and Bagby both fouled out for the Stags and Holmes fouled out for the Bearcats.

Willamette will return to action at the Southern Oregon University Tournament on Friday, Nov. 27 and Saturday, Nov. 28. The 'Cats will take on Southern Oregon on Friday at 8 p.m. (PST) and will play Oregon Institute of Technology on Saturday at 6 p.m. (PST).

For More Information:
Robert McKinney, Athletics Communications Director, (503) 370-6110

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Eastern Oregon Defeats Willamette, 69-39

2009-11-22T04:06:54Z

LA GRANDE, ORE. -- Eastern Oregon University held Willamette University to just 23.0% shooting, as the Mountaineers defeated the Bearcats, 69-39, on Saturday, Nov. 21. Eastern Oregon was led by Alyssa Garro with 18 points and five rebounds. Alex Zennan (Jr., Sammamish, WA/Eastlake HS) topped Willamette with 12 points, five rebounds, three assists and four steals.

BOX SCORE

Eastern Oregon University 69
Willamette University 39
(Aramark Holiday Classic at Eastern Oregon University)

Willamette competed with Eastern for the first half, trailing just 25-17 at halftime. However, WU was unable to keep it close, as EOU quickly stretched its lead to 20 points early in the second half.

Three-point shooting proved to be a deciding factor in the game. EOU attempted 40 three point shots and connected on eleven. Willamette was 0-12 from behind the arc.

Despite the Bearcats' strong defensive effort in the first half, WU could not find a way to score. The Bearcats shot 23% from the field (14 of 61) and 39% from the free throw line (11 of 28). Eastern Oregon shot 34.7% from the field (25 of 72) and made 8 of 16 free throws (50.0%).

WU was led by Zennan, who was named to the All-Tournament Team for her performances over the weekend. Keilyn Fujikoa (Jr., C, Kailua, HI/Iolani HS) contributed five points, six rebounds and two blocks. Sophomore Kaileigh Westermann (P, Belfair, WA/North Kitsap HS) pulled down 10 rebounds and netted six points. Senior post player Nicki Clowdsley (Sammamish, WA/Skyline HS) tallied seven rebounds in 22 minutes.

Willamette fell to 0-2 on the season. EOU, which competes in the NAIA, improved to 4-2.

The Bearcats will compete in the Bruce Henderson Memorial Capital Classic on Nov. 27 and 28. WU will face William Jessup University on Nov. 27 at 5:30 p.m. (PST) and Bethany University on Nov. 28 at 3:30 p.m. (PST). Both games will be played at Corban College in Salem, Ore.

William Jessup and Bethany University in the NAIA as part of the California Pacific Conference. William Jessup is 3-4 overall this season. Bethany is currently 0-5 overall.

For More Information:
Robert McKinney, Athletics Communications Director, (503) 370-6110 or
Sara Brooks, Assistant Athletics Communications Director, (503) 370-6219

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Bearcats Finish 20th at NCAA National Championships

2009-11-21T17:59:04Z

HIGHLAND HILLS, OHIO -- Willamette University took 20th place in the men's team standings at the NCAA Division III National Championships on Saturday, Nov. 21 at the Highland Park Golf Course. It was Willamette's seventh Top 20 finish since 2001. North Central College (Illinois) won the men's team title.

MEN'S RESULTS

NCAA National Championships
Highland Park Golf Course
Highland Hills, Ohio
Nov. 21, 2009

Stefan Redfield (Jr., Sisters, OR/Sisters HS) was Willamette's top finisher, as he claimed 58th place with a time of 26:26.5 over the 8-kilometer course. Redfield placed 42nd among scorers. Matt Parker (Jr., Portland, OR/Lincoln HS) of Willamette placed 72nd overall and was 53rd among scorers after completing the race in 26:33.8.

Leo Castillo (So., Parkdale, OR/Hood River Valley HS) of WU took 127th (98th) as he clocked in at 26:54.7. Ben Donovan (So., Minneapolis, MN/South HS) was 168th (129th) at 27:15.6 and Chris Platano (Sr., Myrtle Point, OR/Myrtle Point HS) finished 199th (154th) at 27:31.6.

Willamette's team score was 476, as the Bearcats edged out St. Olaf College (Minn.), 477, by a single point to earn a spot in the Top 20. Claremont-Mudd-Scripps, which held off Willamette to win the West Regional title last weekend, finished 15th on Saturday with a score of 425. Colorado College, also from the West Region, took 25th at 557. A total of 32 teams competed for the title.

The Bearcats earned their Top 20 finish with just one senior among their seven runners at the National Championships. Platano was the lone senior entered in the race for Willamette. The 'Cats also had four juniors and two sophomores competing.

North Central earned the team championship with a score of 50 (2-6-10-15-17). Williams College (Mass.) took second at 181. Third place went to Allegheny College (Pa.) with a score of 195.

Ricky Flynn from Lynchburg College (Va.) won the men's individual title. He crossed the finish line in 25:09.8 to earn the victory by 22.4 seconds. Michael Spain of North Central achieved second place at 25:32.2 and Edgar Kosgey of Williams was third at 25:34.2.

Jackson Brainerd of Colorado College was the top finisher from the West Region. He took 18th place with a time of 25:54.7. The first Northwest Conference runner to complete the course was Francis Reynolds from the University of Puget Sound, who took 34th place in 26:08.4. The first 35 finishers earned All-America status.

For More Information:
Robert McKinney, Athletics Communications Director, (503) 370-6110

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Patel Finishes 92nd in Women's Race at NCAA Championships

2009-11-21T17:28:51Z

HIGHLAND HILLS, OHIO -- Willamette University junior runner Tina Patel (Bend, OR/Summit HS) finished 92nd out of 279 runners at the NCAA Division III National Championships at the Highland Park Golf Course on Saturday, Nov. 21. The winner of the 6-kilometer race was Wendy Pavlus from St. Lawrence University (N.Y.) with a time of 21:28.0.

WOMEN'S RESULTS

NCAA National Championships
Highland Park Golf Course
Highland Hills, Ohio
Nov. 21, 2009

Pavlus won by 17.8 seconds. Second place went to Marie Borner of Bethel University (Minn.), who completed the course in 21:45.8. A total of six runners crossed the finish line in under 22 minutes.

The Top 35 runners were clocked in at 22:51.6 or faster. The top result for a runner from the Northwest Conference was earned by Marci Klimek of Linfield, the NWC individual champion, who took 17th in Saturday's race at 22.32.6. Patel finished the race in 23:32.7.

The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire won the women's team championship with a score of 171. St. Lawrence finished in second place at 180, while Calvin College (Mich.) was third at 195. Whitworth University from the Northwest Conference placed sixth.

Patel was the only runner for the Willamette women's cross country team at the National Championships. The Bearcats did not receive a team score. Patel earned an individual at-large bid to the championships after placing ninth at the West Regional on Nov. 14.

NOTE: A correction to the official results added a runner at 27th in the individual standings. All runners finishing after her dropped one position.

For More Information:
Robert McKinney, Athletics Communications Director, (503) 370-6110

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Follow the NCAA National Cross Country Championships

2009-11-21T09:28:18Z

HIGHLAND HILLS, OHIO -- The Willamette University men's cross country team and Tina Petel (Jr., Bend, OR/Summit HS) from the WU women's team will compete at the NCAA Division III National Championships on Saturday, Nov. 21 at the Highland Park Golf Course. The women's 6-kilometer race is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. (EST)/8 a.m. (PST) and the men's 8-kilometer race is set to start at 12 p.m. (EST)/9 a.m. (PST).

For race previews, lists of competing teams and individuals, a description of the race course, and official results, view the sites listed below. Information regarding results for the Bearcats will be available on the Willamette Athletics website as soon as possible after Saturday's races.

OFFICIAL CHAMPIONSHIP SITE

NCAA Division III Championships
This page is provided by host Baldwin-Wallace College.

CHAMPIONSHIP CENTRAL

NCAA Division III Championships
This page provided by USTFCCCA.
Scroll down to Division III.

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Menlo Pulls Away from Bearcats in Second Half, 95-72

2009-11-21T06:26:17Z

SALEM, ORE. -- Menlo College outscored Willamette University 26-10 in the first eight minutes of the second half and went on to defeat the Bearcats, 95-72, at Cone Field House on Friday, Nov. 20. Menlo, which competes in the NAIA, evened its record at 1-1 on the season. Willamette, playing its season opener fell to 0-1.

BOX SCORE

Menlo College 95
Willamette University 72

Willamette's Cameron Mitchell (Sr., Post, Portland, OR/Grant HS/Univ. of Redlands) and Menlo's Julian Harris tied for game-high scoring honors with 22 points apiece. Mitchell hit 8 of 13 field goals on the night and scored 12 of his points in the second half. He also led all players with 13 rebounds.

Harris connected on 8 of 14 field goals, including 4 of 7 three-point shots. He grabbed seven rebounds, earned five assists and had two steals for the Oaks.

Willamette held the lead for much of the first half, including 13-6 following a jumper by Taylor Mounts (So., Post, Kailua, HI/Iolani School) with 16:24 on the clock. The Bearcats were in front 19-14 with 12:04 remaining in the half, after Mitchell scored on a layup.

The Oaks tied the game at 21-21 on a 3-pointer by Harris at the 9:31 mark. Mounts moved WU back in front 45 seconds later with a 3-pointer for the 'Cats. Willamette brought the lead back to six points at 27-21, but a 6-0 run by the Oaks tied the game with 4:38 left.

Menlo outscored the Bearcats 11-6 over the remainder of the half to take a 38-33 advantage into the break. The run by the Oaks at the start of the second half extended the lead to 65-43. WU tallied the next six points on two free throws by Mounts and two-layups by Mitchell, but never got closer.

WU shot just 31.4% for the game (22 of 70), including 4 of 26 (15.4%) on 3-pointers. Willamette hit 24 of 38 free throws (63.2%). The Oaks shot 56.5% for the game (39 of 69) and made 6 of 17 three-pointers (35.3%). Menlo sank only 11 of 22 free throws.

The Oaks achieved a 53-38 rebounding edge. Nick McCullar led Menlo with nine rebounds. Patrick Greene hauled down eight boards, while Harris and Tim Kees each grabbed seven. For Willamette, Mitchell was joined in double-figure rebounds by Mounts, who latched onto 10 boards.

Ryan Meehan (So., Wing, Beaverton, OR/Beaverton HS/MSU-Billings) scored 15 boards and earned seven rebounds for Willamette. Mounts tallied 12 points. Robbie Kunke (Jr., Wing, Clackamas, OR/Clackamas HS) scored nine points, dished out eight rebounds and achieved three steals.

Harris was one of four Menlo players with double-digit scoring. Tim Kees produced 15 points, McCullar scored 14 points and Greene finished with 10 points. Drew Davis recorded seven assists for the Oaks.

The Bearcats will host Claremont-Mudd-Scripps on Saturday, Nov. 21. CMS defeated George Fox University, 76-67, in Newberg, Ore. on Friday.

For More Information:
Robert McKinney, Athletics Communications Director, (503) 370-6110

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Bearcats Fall to Lady Yotes, 68-47

2009-11-21T05:22:07Z

LA GRANDE, ORE. – The Willamette University women’s basketball team opened the season with a 68-47 loss to the College of Idaho on Friday, Nov. 20 at the Aramark Holiday Classic hosted by Eastern Oregon University. The Bearcats, who trailed by only seven points at halftime, could not capitalize on a poor shooting night by the Yotes. Willamette dropped to 1-0 on the season. The College of Idaho moved to 2-2 on the season.

BOX SCORE

College of Idaho 68
Willamette University 47
(Aramark Holiday Classic at Eastern Oregon University)

Willamette jumped out to a 3-0 lead after a successful three-point attempt by Maya McFaddin (So., G, McMinnville, OR/McMinnville HS). Less than a minute later, College of Idaho’s Nicole Gall sank a three of her own. The Bearcats were unable to find an answer for Gall. She finished with a game high 21 points, twelve rebounds, five assists, four steals and two blocks.

The Bearcats trailed at halftime by just seven points, 28-21. However, WU could not stop the offensive attack of the Lady Yotes in the first five minutes of the second half. The College of Idaho jumped out to a 37-22 lead with fifteen minutes to play and never looked back.

Willamette was led by junior Alex Zennan (G, Sammamish, WA/Eastlake HS). Zennan finished the game with eight points, eight assists and nine rebounds. The inside combination of Keilyn Fujioka (Jr., C, Kailua, HI/Iolani HS) and Kaileigh Westermann (So., P, Belfair, WA/North Kitsap HS) proved to be a powerful combination. Fujioka finished with eight points, nine rebounds and three blocks. Westermann added nine points and nine rebounds.

For the game, Willamette shot 21-64 from the field. The Yotes connected on 25 of 84 attempts. WU shot 11% from the three point line and just 24% from the free throw line. The Bearcats attempted only nine free throws in the game. Meanwhile, College of Idaho connected on 13 of 25 attempts from the charity stripe.

The Bearcats lost the rebounding battle 54-63. WU pulled down 18 offensive rebounds compared to the Yotes 29. Each team registered fourteen assists.

Willamette is back in action on Saturday, Nov. 21 against Eastern Oregon University. EOU is 3-2 on the season. Game time is set for 5 p.m. (PST) in La Grande, Ore.

For More Information:
Sara Brooks, Assistant Athletics Communications Director, (503) 370-6110

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Follow Willamette Women's Basketball at EOU Tournament

2009-11-21T01:23:46Z

LA GRANDE, ORE. -- You can follow the Willamette University women's basketball team as they compete at the Eastern Oregon University tournament on Friday, Nov. 20 and Saturday, Nov. 21. Eastern Oregon is providing Live Stats as well as Live Video of the tournament games.

Willamette will play the College of Idaho on Friday at 7 p.m. (PST). On Saturday, the Bearcats will take on host Eastern Oregon at 5 p.m.

To get to the Live Stats for Friday's game or Saturday's game go to http://www.sidearmstats.com/eou/wbball.

If you want to view the Live Video on Friday, go to http://www.pennatlantic.com/main.php?module=event-detail&eventId=13313.

In order to watch the Live Video on Saturday, go to http://www.pennatlantic.com/main.php?module=event-detail&eventId=13314.

Men's Basketball Live Stats Available Tonight and Saturday

2009-11-21T01:17:00Z

SALEM, ORE. -- The Willamette University men's basketball team opens the 2009-10 season with home games at Cone Field House on Friday, Nov. 20 and Saturday, Nov. 21. You can follow both games with Live Stats. Willamette will host Menlo College tonight (Friday) at 7 p.m. (PST) and will take on Claremont-Mudd-Scripps on Saturday, also at 7 p.m.

To get to the Live Stats page, go to http://www.willamette.edu/athletics/bsn/live/ and select men's basketball.

All of Willamette's games in Northwest Conference play also will be available through an audio webcast. This weekend's game and all other non-conference will not be webcast.

Bearcats are in Ohio for NCAA National Championships

2009-11-20T08:50:39Z

HIGHLAND HILLS, OHIO -- The Willamette University men's cross country team will compete at the NCAA Division III National Championships on Saturday, Nov. 21 at the Highland Park Golf Course. Willamette received an automatic bid to the event by finishing in second place in the team standings at the West Regional last weekend.

It is the ninth consecutive trip to Nationals for the Bearcat men's team.

OFFICIAL CHAMPIONSHIP SITE

NCAA Division III Championships
This page is provided by host Baldwin-Wallace College.

CHAMPIONSHIP CENTRAL

NCAA Division III Championships
This page provided by USTFCCCA.
Scroll down to Division III.

Also competing for Willamette at the National Championships will be Tina Patel (Jr., Bend, OR/Summit HS) in the women's race. Patel was selected for an individual at-large bid after placing ninth at the West Regional.

Approximately 280 runners will compete in each race. The women's 6-kilometer race is scheduled to get underway at 11 a.m. (EST)/8 a.m. (PST), with the men's 8-kilometer race to follow at 12 p.m. (EST)/9 a.m. (PST). A total of 32 teams (16 automatic bids and 16 at-large bids) will be eligible for the team title in each race.

The Willamette men's team has eight runners, including one alternate, prepared to compete in Ohio. Seven of the runners will be entered in Saturday's race, with the top five finishers counting toward Willamette's team score.

Members of the WU men's team who have made the trip to the National Championships this week are Matt Parker (Jr., Portland, OR/Lincoln HS), Stefan Redfield (Jr., Sisters, OR/Sisters HS), Leo Castillo (So., Parkdale, OR/Hood River Valley HS), Chris Platano (Sr., Myrtle Point, OR/Myrtle Point HS), Nick Rebol (Jr., Cottonwood, CA/Red Bluff Union HS), Ryan McLaughlin (Jr., Milwaukie, OR/Milwaukie HS), Kevin Aubol (Fr., Ellensburg, WA/Ellensburg HS) and Ben Donovan (So., Minneapolis, MN/South HS).

Parker was WU's top finisher at the West Regional with a time of 25:51.52 for fifth place. Redfield ended the race in eighth place, Castillo cross the finish line in 13th, Platano achieved 20th place and Rebol completed the course in 23rd. The top 35 finishers earned All-Region recognition.

Willamette is one of three teams from the West Region who will compete in the men's race at the National Championships. Claremont-Mudd-Scripps won the team title at the West Regional and received an automatic bid. Colorado College placed third at the West Regional and was selected for an at-large bid.

For More Information:
Robert McKinney, Athletics Communications Director, (503) 370-6110

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Bearcats Plan to Increase Tempo as 2009-10 Season Starts

2009-11-19T20:05:16Z

SALEM, ORE. -- Kip Ioane played basketball for Willamette University for four years. He then worked as an assistant coach with the Bearcats for eight seasons. Now he's Willamette's head coach and he plans to pick up the pace at which the Bearcats play, while forcing opponents to take on the new tempo, too.

Ioane and the Willamette basketball team will have a chance to test out their new approach with a pair of home games at Cone Field House to open the 2009-10 season. The Bearcats will take on Menlo College on Friday, Nov. 20 at 7 p.m. (PST), before hosting Claremont-Mudd-Scripps on Saturday, Nov. 21, also at 7 p.m.

"We're going to be a lot more up tempo than we've been in the past," Ioane said. "We're going to go more off the dribble. On defense, we're predicated on pressure ... dictating to offenses what we're going to let them do."

Even with a faster pace, there are several things that won't change following 22 seasons under successful Head Coach Gordie James, who retired this past spring.

"We will still look to take good shots and force opponents to take bad shots," Ioane said. "We will continue to be known for our effort and unselfishness on the court. Those things won't change. It's just that the X's and O's are different from what they've been."

The Bearcats also return two starters in Cameron Mitchell (Sr., Post, Portland, OR/Grant HS/Univ. of Redlands) and Robbie Kunke (Jr., Wing, Clackamas, OR/Clackamas HS), plus three others players who saw action in 13 or more games in 2008-09. The additional experienced returners are Marcus Holmes (Jr., G, Seattle, WA/Garfield HS), Scott Schoettgen (So., Wing, Columbia, CA/Sonora HS) and Robert Wood (Sr., Wing, Keizer, OR/McNary HS/Chemeketa CC).

Returning with limited college playing experience are Taylor Mounts (So., Post, Kailua, Hawaii/Iolani School), Zack Lange (So., Post, Sisters, OR/Sisters HS) and Connor Walsh (So., Wing, Twisp, WA/Liberty Bell HS).

Leading the way is Mitchell, who topped the Northwest Conference in rebounding and was third in scoring last year. Mitchell tallied 16.7 points and 11.8 rebounds per game. He was named First Team All-NWC.

Mitchell scored 36 points against the University of Puget Sound as a sophomore (Feb. 23, 2008) and tallied 35 points against Pomona-Pitzer last season (Nov. 29, 2008). He shot 55.0% from the field (142 of 258) in 2008-09, while leading the Bearcats with 22 blocked shots on defense.

He enters his senior year with 672 points and 479 rebounds since transferring from the University of Redlands after one season. Including his freshman year at Redlands, he has scored 814 points and hauled down 647 boards. He is recovering from an injury to his arm, but has been cleared to play in the season opener.

Kunke, who started at point guard in 2007-08 and 2008-09, will compete as a wing this year. In 2008-09, he averaged 6.0 points, 4.5 assists (103 in 23 games) and 2.5 rebounds per game.

During two seasons at WU, Kunke has accumulated 282 points, 145 rebounds and 242 assists. He achieved 11 assists against Pacific on Feb. 22, 2008 and matched that total against Southern Oregon University on Dec. 29, 2008.

Holmes, who will be the primary point guard for the Bearcats this season, saw action in 22 of 23 games a year ago. He made 18 of 46 three-pointers (39.1%) and hit 20 of 23 free throws (87.0%). He scored 28 points earlier this month in an exhibition game at Boise State University.

Schoettgen played in 17 games last season. He averaged 6.7 points per game and contributed 2.1 rebounds per contest. He scored a season-high 16 points against Pacific University on Feb. 13, 2009.

Wood competed in 13 games in 2008-09 and provided quality relief for Willamette's starters. He scored nine points and grabbed three rebounds at Menlo on Dec. 5, 2008. He has the potential to make even bigger contributions in WU's fast-paced attack this season. At the moment, however, he is sidelined due to injury.

Mounts and Lange both appear ready to increase their playing time and impact on the team this year. Mounts has the size to help inside and has the versatility to shoot jumpers as well.

"He did everything we asked him to do to be ready for us," Ioane said regarding Mounts. "He's one of our pleasant surprises so far."

Lange runs well on the fast break and find ways to get open in the half-court offense. He will help out at the post this season.

Mitchell, Mounts and Lange are three of six posts on the team. The number of inside players give the Bearcats flexibility in how tall the lineup will be at any given moment during a game.

"I like the depth," Ioane said. "And I'm pleased with how they're working in practice."

Willamette has several talented newcomers. The one who will likely make the greatest impact early in the season is Ryan Meehan (So., Wing, Beaverton, OR/Beaverton HS/MSU-Billings).

Meehan was recruited by Willamette out of high school, but went to Montana State University-Billings for one season before transferring to the Bearcats. Meehan has exceptional range on the his jump shot and can play several positions.

"He's very versatile offensively," Ioane said. "Defensively, he can guard probably four positions. People are going to have to be aware of where he is at all times."

Willamette's new approach with a faster tempo will keep the Bearcats moving throughout every game. It's an approach that Ioane hopes will also keep fans actively involved at Cone Field House.

"Our style of play is predicated on spacing and allowing our guys to win one-on-one match-ups, both offensively and defensively," Ioane said. "if we can do that, we have a chance to be very exciting."

Overall, Ioane is just happy for the start of the season.

"I'm most excited about seeing the product on the floor ... our guys in action against somebody else," he said.

For More Information:
Robert McKinney, Athletics Communications Director, (503) 370-6110

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Willamette Women's Basketball Players Set to Build for Future

2009-11-19T19:22:46Z

SALEM, ORE. -- The 2009-10 Willamette Bearcats are focusing on the near future. After an emotional 2008-09 season, the team is hoping a combination of old and new will help change the culture of Willamette women’s basketball.

Willamette opens the season this weekend with games on Friday, Nov. 20 and Saturday, Nov. 21 at the Eastern Oregon University Tournament in La Grande, Ore. The Bearcats will take on the College of Idaho on Friday at 7 p.m. (PST) and will face Eastern Oregon on Saturday at 5 p.m.

The team is led by first-year Head Coach Anne Lapray. The Bearcats return five players, three of which were starters last season.

Inside the paint, Willamette will look to returners Keilyn Fujioka (Jr.), Nicki Clowdsley (Sr.) and Kaileigh Westermann (So.). Fujioka will be competing in her first full season since her freshman year in 2006-07. Following that season, Fujioka was named Honorable Mention All-Northwest Conference.

Clowdsley continues to improve her game each season. As a junior, she contributed 4.7 points and 5.7 rebounds per game. Westermann, who will also see time at the guard position, averaged just over four points and four rebounds a game as a freshman.

Adding depth inside is transfer student Shayna Glynn (Jr.). Glynn joins WU following two seasons at Walla Walla Community College. Glynn adds a soft shooting touch, enthusiasm and vocal leadership to the Bearcat squad.

In the backcourt, WU will be led by junior Alex Zennan. Zennan averaged 12.7 points and shot 34% from the 3 pt. line last season. Zennan has scored 482 points in her two years at WU.

Along with Zennan, the Bearcats return two strong guards in Erin Barclay (Jr.) and Maya McFaddin (So.). Barclay will need to be a vocal leader on the floor as the point guard. McFaddin will provide WU will some versatility at the guard positions. Her consistent intensity on defense will contribute significantly to the Bearcats success.

Willamette adds four new freshmen to their roster: Sophie Wilson, Lauren Vannini, Xochitl Salinas and Sveta Krishna.

George Fox University, the defending NCAA Division III National Champion, is the early favorite to repeat as NWC champions. The University of Puget Sound and Whitman College are expected to field strong teams.

For More Information:
Sara Brooks, Assistant Athletics Communications Director, (503) 370-6110

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Bearcat Football Places Eight Players on First Team All-NWC

2009-11-19T02:31:57Z

SALEM, ORE. -- A total of eight Willamette University football players have been chosen First Team All-Northwest Conference for the 2009 season in voting by the NWC head coaches. Willamette also placed seven players on the Second Team and five players received Honorable Mention. Inside linebacker Ralph Pineda (Jr., Los Angeles, CA/Cathedral HS/San Jose State Univ.) of Willamette was chosen NWC Defensive Player of the Year.

2009 All-NWC Football Team

Complete List

Pineda recorded 81 total tackles for the Bearcats. He earned 31 solo tackles and registered 51 assists. He provided WU with 5.5 tackles for losses. Willamette led the NWC in scoring defense and total defense, allowing just 15.9 points and 279.2 yards per game.

Overall, Willamette placed 20 athletes on the All-NWC Team. The complete All-NWC squad included 97 players, with 27 on the First Team, 25 on the Second Team and 45 on the Honorable Mention list.

Linfield College Head Coach Joe Smith, who led the Wildcats to an undefeated conference title, was named NWC Coach of the Year. Linfield quarterback Aaron Boehme, who completed 61.4% of his passes and threw for 25 touchdowns, was chosen NWC Offensive Player of the Year.

First Team All-Northwest Conference

Willamette's First Team selections on offense were senior center Scott Hirschberger (Beaverton, OR/Southridge HS), senior offensive tackle Joe Penkala (Niles, Illinois/Loyola Academy) and junior wide receiver Scott Schoettgen (Columbia, CA/Sonora HS).

Bearcats chosen for the First Team defense were Pineda, sophomore defensive tackle Ron Carter (Atwater, CA/Buhach Colony HS), senior defensive end Cory Lowe (Beaverton, OR/Beaverton HS), senior free safety Lukkes Gilgan (Sherwood, OR/Sherwood HS) and junior strong safety Arlin Taylor (Spring Valley, CA/Steele Canyon).

Scott Hirschberger (Jr., C) was named First Team All-NWC for the second consecutive year. In addition, he earned Second Team All-NWC honors in 2007. He started all 41 games during his four years with the Bearcats.

This year, Hirschberger led the Willamette offensive line as the Bearcats rushed for 2,344 yards in 10 games (234.4 avg.) and passed for an additional 1,684 yards (168.4 avg.). The Bearcats averaged 5.1 yards per running play and 8.3 yards per pass attempt.

Joe Penkala (Sr., OT) started all 10 games during the season. He provided solid blocking that helped the Bearcats gain 4,028 total yards (402.8 avg.). His efforts also contributed to Willamette achieving 212 first downs, while scoring 30 rushing touchdowns and 19 touchdowns through the air.

He also started several games as a freshman in 2006 and was a regular starter in 2007 and 2008. He was named Second Team All-NWC as a junior. During his four seasons at Willamette, the Bearcats gained have 9,418 rushing yards (229.7 avg.) and achieved 15,095 total yards (368.2 avg.).

Scott Schoettgen (Jr., WR) caught 49 passes for 840 yards and scored 14 touchdowns for the Bearcats this season. He tied a school record with four touchdown catches against the University of Puget Sound on Nov. 7. He missed one game due to injury, and averaged 5.4 catches and 88.7 yards per game during WU's other nine contests.

Schoettgen caught a career-high nine passes against Puget Sound and earned a career-high 191 receiving yards on just five catches against California Lutheran University on Sept. 12. In his three seasons at WU, he has caught 80 passes for 1,485 yards and 23 touchdowns. He received Second Team All-NWC recognition in 2008.

Ralph Pineda's (Jr., ILB) 81 tackles ranked second on the WU defensive chart. He earned 5.5 tackles for losses, including three quarterback sacks. He forced three fumbles and recovered three fumble. He scored a touchdown on a 14-yard fumble return against Whitworth University on Oct. 3.

During the year, Pineda registered 10 or more tackles five times, including 14 tackles against Linfield on Oct. 24. Pineda transferred to Willamette following two seasons at San Jose State University.

Ron Carter (So., DT) started every game in 2009 after starting the second half of the season in 2008. This year, he achieved 23 total tackles, including 10 solo stops and three tackles for losses. He also was credited with one forced fumble. His efforts kept opposing offensive linemen busy and allowed WU's two starting inside linebackers to combine for 168 total tackles.

In two seasons at WU, Carter has accumulated 50 total tackles on 25 solo stops and 25 assists. He has achieved seven tackles for losses.

Cory Lowe (Sr., DE) contributed 32 tackles this year, with 16 solo tackles and 16 assists. He tied for second on the team with 8.0 tackles for losses and ranked second with 5.5 sacks. He recovered three fumbles and brought two of the fumbles back for touchdowns. He also forced one fumble, broke up four passes and recorded four quarterbacks hurries.

Lowe started all 10 games in 2009 and finished his career with 40 games played. He achieved 133 career tackles (64 solo) to go with 31.5 tackles for losses and 18.5 sacks. He recovered five fumble during his career and broke up 12 passes. He was chosen Second Team All-NWC in both 2007 and 2008.

Lukkes Gilgan (Sr., FS) started every game this fall and accumulated 40 total tackles. He earned 2.5 tackles for losses broke up three passes. He also blocked a kick. Gilgan and the rest of the Willamette secondary limited opponents to just 5.5 yards per pass attempt and barely 50% completions (153 of 305, 50.2%)

In his career, Gilgan recorded 104 tackles (49 solo), while intercepting three passes, breaking up eight additional passes and blocking two kicks. He scored on a blocked punt return against Puget Sound in 2008. He played in a total of 38 games for the Bearcats.

Arlin Taylor (Jr., SS) made 33 tackles while starting all 10 games in 2009. Sixteen of his tackles were solo stops. He also intercepted one pass, giving him three interceptions during the past two years. He scored on a 37-yard fumble recovery against Southern Oregon University on Sept. 19.

During his three seasons with the Bearcats, Taylor has played in all 32 games, while achieving 128 total tackles. He has broken up 10 passes, forced four fumbles, recovered five fumbles and intercepted three passes. He also earned First Team All-NWC honors in 2008.

Second Team All-Northwest Conference

WU was represented on the Second Team offense by sophomore tailback Jamiere Abney ( Bremerton, WA/Bremerton HS), junior offensive guard Luis Guerra (El Cajon, CA/Steele Canyon HS), junior offensive tackle Edward Salceda (San Pedro, CA/San Pedro HS/Los Angeles Harbor Coll.), sophomore wide receiver Chad Pollard (Bakersfield, CA/Liberty HS/Bakersfield College) and sophomore place-kicker Mitchell Rowan (Cotati, CA/Rancho Cotate HS).

Second Team defensive selections from Willamette were junior defensive end Walter Robinson, II (Altadena, CA/Cathedral HS) and senior inside linebacker Andrew Ross (Petaluma, CA/Petaluma HS).

Jamiere Abney (So., TB) took over at tailback after senior starter Deon Horne (Issaquah, WA/Liberty HS) was injured in the first half of WU's game with Pacific Lutheran. Abney carried the ball 10 times for 77 yards and three TDs in the second half against PLU. He finished the year with 348 yards on 56 carries (6.2 avg.). He led the 'Cats with seven rushing touchdowns.

Luis Guerra (Jr., OG) started in the offensive line each of the past two seasons. He was chosen Honorable Mention All-NWC in 2008. This year, he helped WU run 458 times for 2,344 yards, an average of 5.1 yard per carry. His efforts contributed to 127 first downs on the ground and 71 first downs passing. Willamette completed 56.7% of its passes (115 of 203) and allowed just 13 sacks.

Edward Salceda (Jr., OG) started for Willamette in all 10 games and made key contributions as a blocker on running and passing plays. WU averaged 234.4 rushing yards and 168.4 passing yards per game. Salceda helped the 'Cats gain more than 215 rushing yards six times. WU scored at least one rushing TD in all 10 games and at least one passing TD in nine games.

Chad Pollard (So., WR) recorded 15 catches for 279 yards and three touchdowns this season. He also carried the ball 46 times for 311 yards and three more touchdowns. He averaged 6.8 yards per run and gained 18.6 yards per catch. He gained 76 yards on just six carries against Pacific Lutheran. His longest carry of the season went for 33 yards against Menlo College on Nov. 14.

Mitchell Rowan (So., PK) finished the year second on the team in scoring with 64 points. He hit 6 of 8 field goals and made 46 of 51 extra point attempts. In two seasons, he has converted 11 of 16 field goals and 108 of 117 extra points. He now holds Willamette's career records for extra points made and attempted. This fall, Rowan averaged 35.7 yards per punt and 58.5 yards per kickoff.

Walter Robinson, II (Jr., DE) led the Bearcats with 11.5 tackles for losses and 6.0 quarterback sacks. He also forced a fumble, recovered a fumble and earned two quarterback hurries. He ranked fourth on the team with 60 total tackles (30 solos, 30 assists). In addition to his defensive efforts, he scored on a 28-yard pass out of field goal formation in the first half against Lewis & Clark.

Andrew Ross (Sr., ILB) was Willamette's top tackler in 2009, as he achieved 87 total tackles. He also led the team with 33 solo tackles and 54 assists. He recorded 4.5 tackles for losses and one interception. He was chosen NWC Defensive Student-Athlete of the Week after making 19 tackles in the Bearcats' 35-17 win over Pacific Lutheran. Ross earned 10 or more tackles four times.

Honorable Mention All-Northwest Conference

Willamette offensive players earning Honorable Mention were senior tailback Deon Horne (Issaquah, WA/Liberty HS) and junior flanker Mikey Lemon (McMinnville, OR/McMinnville HS/Linfield College).

Honorable Mention recognition also went to senior outside linebacker Matt Banta (Baker City, OR/Baker HS), sophomore outside linebacker Harmon Bruno (Danville, CA/San Ramon Valley HS) and Bubba Lemon (Sr., McMinnville, OR/Tualatin HS/Linfield College).

Deon Horne (Sr., TB) started at tailback until he was injured in the seventh game. Even so, he gained 463 yards and scored three TDs on 85 carries (5.4 avg.). He rushed for a career-high 143 yards on 18 runs against California Lutheran. In 2008, he rushed for 988 yards on 137 carries (7.2 avg.), scored 12 TDs and was named First Team All-NWC. In his career, he ran 237 times for 1,590 yards.

Mikey Lemon (Jr., FL) contributed to both the running and the passing game. He rushed 36 times for 229 yards (6.4 avg.) and two touchdowns. He also caught 11 passes for 140 yards. In WU's 22-15 win at Southern Oregon, he ran 11 times for 49 yards and caught five passes for 63 yards. Lemon transferred to Willamette after playing two seasons at Linfield.

Matt Banta (Sr., OLB) was named Honorable Mention All-NWC for the second year in a row. In 2009, he earned 38 total tackles, with 2.5 tackles for losses and 1.0 sacks. He also broke up three passes, forced a fumble and recorded one quarterback hurry. During his career, he provided the Bearcats with 143 tackles. He registered 13.0 tackles for losses and forced three fumbles.

Harmon Bruno (So., OLB) provided solid defense throughout the season. He achieved 12 tackles against California Lutheran, 11 against Linfield and 10 versus Concordia-Moorhead. For the year, he made 66 tackles, 8.0 tackles for losses and 4.5 sacks. He intercepted two passes and earned two QB hurries. In two years, he has supplied 104 tackles, including 14.5 tackles for losses.

Bubba Lemon (Sr., CB) played in all 10 games after transferring to Willamette from Linfield for his senior season. He intercepted two passes, including one near midfield against Menlo that set up a touchdown five plays later. He also made eight tackles, with one tackle for a loss, during 2009. He earned Second Team All-NWC honors while playing at Linfield in 2007.

The 2009 Season

The Bearcats concluded the season with an 8-2 overall record, including 5-1 (2nd place) in the Northwest Conference. Willamette averaged 38.2 points and 402.8 total yards per game. On defense, the Bearcats intercepted 14 passes and recovered 12 fumbles. Opponents were held to 112.6 rushing yards and 166.6 passing yards per game.

Willamette's 382 points were the second highest regular season total in school history, trailing only the 423 points scored during the regular season in 2008. The 2009 Bearcats scored 35 or more points six times, including more than 40 points in five games.

Head Coach Mark Speckman improved his overall record at Willamette to 71-50 (.587). The Bearcats are 19-3 since the start of the 2008 season.

For More Information:
Robert McKinney, Athletics Communications Director, (503) 370-6110

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Willamette Men's Cross Country is Ranked #17 in National Rankings

2009-11-18T08:15:24Z

SALEM, ORE. -- The Willamette University men's cross country team, which took second place at the NCAA Division III West Regional to secure an automatic bid to the National Championships, is ranked #17 this week's National Rankings released by the United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA). Willamette is also ranked #2 in the West Region. The WU women's team is ranked #7 in the Region.

USTFCCCA Men's Cross Country National Poll

NCAA Division III
November 18, 2009

All 2009 USTFCCCA Division III Rankings

Claremont-Mudd-Scripps (Calif.), which won the West Regional with a score of 50 to finish in front of Willamette by just 14 points, moved up nine spots in the rankings from #21 to #12. Willamette dropped four spots from #13.

Willamette will have another chance to take on Claremont-Mudd-Scripps this weekend at the NCAA Championships in Highland Hills, Ohio. The event will be held at the Highland Hills Golf Course, with the women's race starting at 11 a.m. (EST)/8 a.m. (PST) and the men's race set for 12 p.m. (EST)/9 a.m. (PST).

Also competing as a team at Nationals will be Colorado College, which placed third at the West Regional and received an at-large bid to advance to this weekend's men's race.

The men's National Rankings were topped by North Central College (Illinois) this week with 280 points. Cortland State (N.Y.) was #2 with 270 points and the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse was #3 with 26 points. Geneseo State (N.Y.) held the #4 spot with 257 points. The top four teams were the same as last week.

Allegheny College (Pa.) moved up one spot to #5 in the poll with 247 points. Williams College (Mass.), advanced nine positions and is #6 this week with 241 points. New York University stayed at #7 and received 237 points.

Carnegie-Mellon University (Pa.) made a sizable leap in the rankings, from #19 a week ago to #8 this week with 220 points. Also in the Top 10 were Haverford College (Pa.) at #9 with 196 points and Washington University (Mo.) at #10 with 195 points.

A total of 32 men's teams and 32 women's teams will compete for team National Championships. Each team will enter seven runners, with an additional 56 men and 56 women competing as individuals. The women's race and the men's race will include approximately 280 runners apiece.

For More Information:
Robert McKinney, Athletics Communications Director, (503) 370-6110

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