Athletics

Schoettgen Scores Four Touchdowns as Bearcats Rout Loggers, 50-6

2009-11-08T01:35:09Z

TACOMA, WASH. -- Willamette University amassed 552 yards of total offense and wide receiver Scott Schoettgen (Jr., Columbia, CA/Sonora HS) scored four touchdowns, as the Bearcats rolled past the University of Puget Sound, 50-6, in a Northwest Conference game on Saturday, Nov. 7. Willamette, ranked #24 in the D3Football.com Top 25, upped its record to 7-2 overall, 4-1 in the NWC. Puget Sound fell to 0-8 overall, 0-5 in the NWC.

BOX SCORE

Willamette University 50
University of Puget Sound 6

Schoettgen scored on a 3-yard catch in the first quarter, on two 6-yard catches in the second quarter and on a 34-yard catch in the third quarter. Willamette led 43-0 before the Loggers scored with 9:29 left in the game.

An extended story will be posted later.

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

Kaufman Scores with 0:05 Left in Overtime, as Willamette Defeats Linfield, 2-1

2009-11-08T01:27:45Z

SALEM, ORE. -- Freshman forward Erik Kaufman (Portland, OR/Grant HS) scored his second goal of the game with five seconds left in the first overtime to send Willamette University to a 2-1 victory over Linfield College on Saturday, Nov. 7 at Sparks Field. The Bearcats ended the season at 6-13 overall, 5-9 in the Northwest Conference. Linfield fell to 5-13-1 overall, 4-10 in the NWC.

BOX SCORE

Willamette University 2
Linfield College 1 (OT)

Willamette finished the year in sole possession of fifth place in the NWC standings with 15 points (3 for a win, 1 for a tie). Linfield concluded the season in sixth place with 12 points. The Bearcats and the Wildcats began the day tied for fifth.

An extended story will be posted later.

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

Puget Sound Defeats Willamette in Swimming on Saturday

2009-11-08T01:19:21Z

TACOMA, WASH. -- The University of Puget Sound swimming teams defeated Willamette University in Northwest Conference action on Saturday, Nov. 7. Puget Sound's women downed the Bearcats, 167-86. The Logger men's team was victorious over Willamette by a final score of 184-49.

COMPLETE RESULTS

Men
University of Puget Sound 184
Willamette University 49

Women
University of Puget Sound 167
Willamette University 86

Both of the UPS teams improved to 2-1 overall, 2-0 in the NWC. Willamette's women are 1-1 overall, 1-1 in the NWC. The Bearcat men are 0-2 on the season, 0-2 in the NWC.

An extended story will be posted later.

Pacific Edges Bearcats, 2-1, in Overtime

2009-11-08T00:49:29Z

FOREST GROVE, ORE. -- Ashley Kanda scored 1:13 into overtime to send Pacific University to a 2-1 win over Willamette University, in a Northwest Conference women's soccer game on Saturday, Nov. 7. The goal was scored on a 5-yard shot off a corner kick taken by Lauren Kanda.

BOX SCORE

Pacific University 2
Willamette University 1 (OT)

Pacific ended the season with a 7-10-3 record, 6-8-2 in the NWC, while Willamette finished at 9-9-2 overall, 8-7-1 in the NWC.

The Bearcats took third place in the final NWC standings with 25 points (3 for each win, 1 for each tie). Pacific finished in sixth place with 20 points.

Emily Wigington (Sr., D, Boulder, CO/Boulder HS) scored for Willamette at 71:21 on a shot from 20 yards out. It was Wigington's second goal of the season. Pacific forced overtime when Lauren Kanda scored unassisted on a 5-yard shot from the right side at 80:22.

The start of the second half was delayed due to the weather. Lightning and the threat of thunderstorms kept both teams of the field for 50 minutes.

An extended story will be posted later.

Bearcats take Pacific Lutheran to the Limit before 15th-Ranked Lutes Win, 3-2

2009-11-07T05:55:00Z

SALEM, ORE. -- Willamette University battled 15th-ranked Pacific Lutheran University throughout a five-set match at Cone Field House on Friday, Nov. 6. The Bearcats held a 2-1 lead after two sets, but the Lutes rallied to remain undefeated in Northwest Conference play with a 19-25, 25-14, 20-25, 25-23, 15-9 victory.

BOX SCORE

Pacific Lutheran University 3
Willamette University 2
19-25, 25-14, 20-25, 25-23, 15-9

PLU upped its record to 19-6 overall, 15-0 in the NWC. Willamette's three-match winning streak came to an end, as the Bearcats moved to 10-13 overall, 7-8 in the NWC.

Senior outside hitter Jessie McGraw (Gaston, OR/Yamhill-Carlton HS/Corban College) led Willamette with 20 kills, a .340 hitting percentage and 21 digs. Brigit Miller (Fr., Se, Olympia, WA/Olympia HS) added 47 assists and 16 digs.

Kelcy Joynt topped Pacific Lutheran with a match-high 28 kills to go with 19 digs and four block assists. She was the Lutes' most consistent attacker during Friday's match. Her efforts helped PLU, which played without two-time NWC Player of the Year Beth Hanna, who suffered a season-ending knee injury against Whitworth University last weekend.

The Bearcats won the first and third sets, and executed well in both of those stanza. WU hit .387 in the opening set and earned a .361 attack percentage in the third set.

Willamette held a slim 9-8 lead after 17 points in the first set, but won four consecutive rallies for a 13-8 advantage. The 'Cats also won seven of the next 11 points to extend the margin to 20-12.

After WU took a 23-14 lead, PLU put together a 4-0 run. The Bearcats responded by taking two of the next three points on kills by Madisyn Leenstra (Fr., OH, Bellingham, WA/Sehome HS) and McGraw to win the set, 25-19.

PLU surged out to a 6-0 lead in the second set and also led 10-3. Later, WU trailed 19-9 after Joynt registered back-to-back kills. The Lutes went on to claim a 25-14 victory.

McGraw was solid in set #3, as she recorded six kills and no errors, while earning a .500 hitting percentage. Her kill with the score tied 8-8 moved Willamette into the lead and the Bearcats stayed in front the rest of the way. Miller achieved 12 assists and the WU attack earned 14 kills and just one attacking error during the set.

The Bearcats held a 12-10 advantage, then went on a 8-4 run to claim a 20-14 edge. Five Bearcats provided at least one kill during the run. WU won the set 25-20, with a kill by McGraw providing the final point.

A good portion of the fourth set as close and there were eight ties between 5-5 and 15-15. The Lutes pulled in front on a kill from Kelsie Moore to start a 3-0 run. PLU eventually increased the lead to five points at 21-16.

WU rallied with a 7-3 run of its own, and the Bearcats pulled within 24-23 on a kill by McGraw. The 'Cats were unable to tie the score, however, as Joynt recorded a kill for the last point of the set.

The Lutes were in front 3-1 and 4-2 early in the fifth set. Willamette tied the score at 4-4 on a PLU attacking error, before gaining the lead on a kill be Leenstra. Three rallies later, the score was tied again at 6-6.

Pacific Lutheran went on a 5-1 run, including two serving errors by the Bearcats, to take an 11-7 advantage. Julie Stutzman (Sr., MH, Olympia, WA/Olympia HS) stopped the run with a kill for WU, but two kills by Joynt gave the Lutes a 13-8 lead.

An attacking error by PLU resulted in Willamette winning the next point. The Lutes countered with a kill from Joynt, then Moore added a kill for the final point of the match. PLU won the set, 15-9.

Willamette will close out the season on Saturday, Nov. 7 with a home match against George Fox University. Match time is set for 7 p.m. (PST) at Cone Field House. The Bearcats will honors McGraw and Stutzman, the team's two seniors, prior to the match.

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

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Willamette Women Defeat Lewis & Clark, 104-95

2009-11-07T05:51:11Z

SALEM, ORE. -- The Willamette University women's swimming team opened its Northwest Conference dual match schedule with a 104-95 victory over Lewis & Clark College on Friday, Nov. 6 at Cone Field House. Willamette is 1-0 on the season, 1-0 in the NWC. Lewis & Clark dropped to 0-1, 0-1 in the NWC.

COMPLETE RESULTS

Men
Lewis & Clark College 144
Willamette University 56

Women
Willamette University 104
Lewis & Clark College 95

In the men's competition, Lewis & Clark defeated the Bearcats, 144-56. L&C is 1-0 overall and 1-0 in the NWC. Willamette fell to 0-1 overall, 0-1 in the conference.

Hanna Connett (Jr., Pullman, WA/Pullman HS) led the Willamette women's team, as she won two events and finished second in another. She was stellar in the distance events, winning the 1,000-yard freestyle in 11:40.25 and taking first in the 500-yard freestyle in 5:45.26.

In both races, Connett started a 1-2 finish for the Bearcats, with Jenna Larrow (Sr., Boise, ID/Timberline HS) taking second place each time. Larrow completed the 1,000 free in 11:45.59 and swam the 500 free in 5:47.28.

Connett claimed second place in the 100-yard breaststroke. WU teammate Janelle Higashida (So., Kaneohe, HI/Hawaii Baptist Academy) won the event with a time of 1:14.75. Connett finished the race in 1:17.74.

Gwen Schulze (Sr., Silverdale, WA/Central Kitsap/Austin College) also won two events for the WU women's team. She took first place in the 100-yard butterfly after clocking in at 1:02.83. She also prevailed in the 100-yard backstroke, as her time of 1:05.06 allowed her to edge out Cat Menkel-Lawrence of L&C, who finished in 1:05.28.

Also for the Bearcats, Lauren Ballinger (Fr., Wenatchee, WA/Wenatchee HS) won the 200-yard freestyle. She recorded a time of 2:06.49.

Rachael Cazden achieved first place finishes for L&C in the sprints. She was victorious in the 50-yard freestyle in 25.68 seconds and won the 100-yard freestyle in 55.13 seconds. Menkel-Lawrence placed first for L&C in the 200-yard individual medley with a time of 2:20.32.

The Pioneers also won both of the women's relay events. The 200-yard medley relay was very close, with L&C clocking in at 1:58.97 and WU following just 0.25 seconds later at 1:59.22. Swimming for WU were Schulze, Higashida, Kara Koetje (So., Arlington, WA/Stanwood HS) and Ballinger.

Senior Matt Tanigawa (Kailua, HI/Hawaii Baptist Academy) was Willamette's only first place finisher in the men's events. He won the 200-yard individual medley at 2:10.02. He also finished second in the 100-yard butterfly, as his time of 1:01.25 was 0.77 seconds behind Steven Carreno of L&C, who took first in 1:00.48.

Carreno was one of three Pioneer men to win two events. In addition to the 100 fly, he won the 200-yard freestyle in 1:58.11.

Josh Spegman of L&C won the 500-yard freestyle in 5:24.44 and the 1,000-yard freestyle in 11:03.43. Isaac Ekblad prevailed in the 50-yard freestyle in 23.17 seconds and the 100-yard freestyle in 52.51 seconds.

Ekblad's triumph in the 50 free was part of a close finish by three swimmers. Ekblad won by just 0.04, as Michael McGeehan (So., Moscow, ID/Moscow HS) of Willamette took second place at 23.21 seconds. Shuichi Matsumoto of L&C placed third in 23.34 seconds.

Lewis & Clark won the men's relay races. The Pioneers clocked in at 1:44.52 in the 200-yard medley relay and registered a time of 1:40.15 in the 200-yard freestyle relay.

Willamette will travel to Tacoma, Wash., on Saturday, Nov. 7 to take on the University of Puget Sound in another NWC match-up. The action is set to begin at 1 p.m. (PST).

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

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Bearcats Shoot Past Lutes, 3-1

2009-11-06T21:35:21Z

SALEM, ORE. -- The Willamette University women's soccer team defeated visiting Pacific Lutheran University, 3-1 on Friday, Nov. 6. Willamette is now 9-8-2 overall and 8-6-1 in the Northwest Conference. The Lutes drop to 5-13-1 overall and 4-10-1 in the NWC.

BOX SCORE

Willamette University 3
Pacific Lutheran University 1

Senior Beth Tatlock (MF, Denver, CO/St. Mary's Academy) had a game to remember in her last contest at Sparks Field. She scored two goals for WU and tallied one assist.

Her first goal came 6:25 into the first half on a shot from 24 yards out. Her shot found the upper left corner and gave the Bearcats a 1-0 lead. She was assisted by Andrea Rowan (Fr., MF, Boise, ID/Timberline HS).

Tatlock found the back of the net again just fourteen minutes later on a shot from 20 yards out. Her second goal was unassisted and gave WU a 2-0 lead. Tatlock's goals were her first two of the season.

Willamette went ahead 3-0 when Kimber Mattox (So., MF, Bend, OR/Bend HS) scored off an assist from Tatlock at 68:37. Mattox's first goal of the season was from 10 yards out.

The Lutes scored their only goal of the game on a header from six yards out. Mimi Granlund scored the goal and was assisted by Courtney Walker at 75:47

Willamette took 14 shots in the game, compared to Pacific Lutheran's three. The Bearcats achieved three corner kicks. Pacific Lutheran did not attempt a corner kick during the game.

The Bearcats close out the season at Pacific University on Saturday, Nov. 7. Game time is set for 11 a.m. (PST). WU can lock up sole possession of third place in the Northwest Conference with a win at Pacific. WU defeated Pacific, 2-1, earlier this season at Sparks Field.

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

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Wigington Earns ESPN The Magazine Second Team Academic All-District Honors

2009-11-06T06:44:39Z

SALEM, ORE. -- Willamette University senior defender Emily Wigington (Boulder, CO/Boulder HS) has been chosen Second Team ESPN The Magazine College Division Academic All-District VIII in women's soccer, as determined in voting by members of the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA). A total of 23 athletes were chosen for First Team or Second Team Academic All-District VIII recognition.

2009 ESPN The Magazine
Academic All-District VIII

College Division
Women's Soccer Team

Wigington has started all 18 games for the Bearcats this season. She is working toward a double-major in History and Spanish. She entered the fall semester with a 3.68 cumulative grade point average.

During her Willamette career, Wigington has seen action in 42 games with 35 starts. She did not play as a freshman, but has been a member of the team the past three seasons. She has provided the Bearcats with solid defense efforts and has gone forward on occasion to contribute to the attack.

Wigington scored her first career goal earlier this season against Pacific Lutheran University on Oct. 11. It was the game-winning goal in Willamette's 2-0 victory over the Lutes.

Over the past two seasons, she has taken 13 total shots. Seven of her attempts have been shots on goal.

The Bearcats are 8-8-2 on the season, including 7-6-1 in the Northwest Conference. Willamette will host Pacific Lutheran on Friday, Nov. 6. Kickoff at Sparks Field is set for 11 a.m. (PST).

The 'Cats will conclude the season at Pacific University on Saturday, Nov. 7. The game will be played in Forest Grove, Ore. It is scheduled to get underway at 11 a.m.

CoSIDA District VIII includes colleges and universities in the western United States. Players nominated for the CoSIDA Academic All-District Team were starters or key reserves with cumulative GPAs of 3.3 or higher (4.0 scale). Each athlete was at her current college or university for at least one academic year.

The College Division includes athletes in NCAA Division II, NCAA Division III and the NAIA. Willamette is a member of NCAA Division III and competes in the Northwest Conference.

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

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McGuirk Named NWC Men's Cross Country Coach of the Year

2009-11-06T06:32:09Z

SALEM, ORE. -- Matt McGuirk, head cross country coach at Willamette University, has been chosen Northwest Conference Men's Cross Country Coach of the Year after leading the Bearcats to the 2009 NWC Championship. McGuirk was chosen for the award by his fellow coaches in the NWC.

It was the seventh time McGuirk has been named NWC Men's Cross Country Coach of the Year. He previously received the honor in 2001, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007.

The Bearcat men's team won its eighth NWC title in the past nine years (2001-07, 2009). It was Willamette's 19th NWC title in men's cross country since 1963.

Willamette claimed this year's championship with a team score of 32. WU's top five finishers concluded the 8-kilometer race by placing 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 8th and 15th in the individual results. Bearcat runners also took 16th and 17th.

The Bearcat men's team is ranked #12 in the NCAA Division III National Poll released on Nov. 4 by the United States Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA). Willamette will compete at the NCAA West Regional on Saturday, Nov. 14 at Prado Park in Claremont, Calif.

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

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Bearcat Men's Team is Now Ranked #12 in NCAA Division III

2009-11-05T08:01:31Z

SALEM, ORE. -- The Willamette University men's cross country team, which won its eighth Northwest Conference title in the past nine years last weekend, has moved up one spot to #12 in the NCAA Division III National Poll released by the United States Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) on Wednesday, Nov. 4.

WU's men also are ranked #1 in the West Region. The Willamette women's team is ranked #8 in the West Region.

USTFCCCA Men's Cross Country National Poll

NCAA Division III
November 4, 2009

All 2009 USTFCCCA Division III Rankings

Willamette won the NWC title with a team score of 32 on the strength of top five results of 2-3-4-8-15. Whitworth University, which took second place at the NWC Meet with a score of 71, fell from #27 in the national poll a week ago to #34 this week.

Other West Region teams listed in the men's national rankings are Claremont-Mudd-Scripps (Calif.) and Pomona-Pitzer (Calif.). Claremont-Mudd-Scripps is ranked #21 and Pomona-Pitzer is ranked #33.

The #1 team in the nation remained North Central College (Illinois) with 280 points in the poll. The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse moved up one spot to #2 with 270 points.

Geneseo State (N.Y.) also advanced one spot to #3 with 266 points, while Cortland State (N.Y.) fell two positions from #2 to #4 with 255 points. Rounding out the top 5 was the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point with 246 points.

In the West Region, Willamette's men held the top ranking, with Claremont-Mudd-Scripps ranked #2 and Pomona-Pitzer ranked #3. Whitworth was #4 and Colorado College was #5.

The women's rankings in the West Region were led by Whitworth. Whitman College was #2 and Occidental College (Calif.) was #3. Pomona-Pitzer was ranked #4 and Linfield College was ranked #5.

Willamette will compete at the NCAA Division III West Regional on Saturday, Nov. 14. The Regional will be held at Prado Park in Claremont, Calif.

The top two men's teams and the top two women's teams at the Regional will receive automatic bids to the NCAA National Championships, set for Nov. 21 in Cleveland, Ohio. The third through fifth place teams in each race will be eligible for at-large berths to the National Championships.

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

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Boise State Defeats Willamette in Exhibition Game, 111-72

2009-11-04T05:32:46Z

BOISE, IDAHO -- Boise State University placed six players in double figures, and the Broncos shot 52.2% from the field, to defeat visiting Willamette University, 111-72, in a preseason exhibition game on Tuesday, Nov. 3 at Taco Bell Arena. The Broncos built a 46-27 lead in the first half.

BOX SCORE

Boise State University 111
Willamette University 72
(Exhibition)

Boise State is a member of NCAA Division I. Willamette competes in NCAA Division III.

The Bearcats were led by Marcus Holmes (Jr., G, Seattle, WA/Garfield HS) with 28 points. Holmes hit 9 of 13 field goals, including 4 of 8 three-pointers. He was 6 for 7 at the free throw line. He also earned three rebounds, three assists and three steals.

Ryan Meehan (So., Wing, Beaverton, OR/Beaverton HS/MSU-Billings) scored 15 points for the Bearcats. Meehan hauled down a team-high five rebounds. Robbie Kunke (Jr., Wing, Clackamas, OR/Clackamas HS) finished with 10 points and three rebounds.

La'Shard Anderson and Robert Arnold each scored 14 points to pace the Broncos. Both players also connected on 6 of 10 field goal attempts. In addition, Arnold contributed three boards, two assists and three steals.

Daequon Montreal provided BSU with 13 points and grabbed a game-high 13 rebounds. He hit 6 of 8 field goals on offense and blocked four shots on defense.

The Broncos made just 6 of 27 three-pointers (22.2%), but sank 41 of 63 shots from inside the arc (65.1%) and claimed a 62-31 rebounding edge. Willamette shot 33.3% overall (21 of 63), including 10 of 27 three-pointers (37.0%). WU connected on 7 of 16 three-pointers (43.8%) in the second half.

At the free throw line, the 'Cats were 20 of 27 for 74.1%. The Broncos sank 11 of 18 free throws (61.1%)

Cameron Mitchell (Sr., Post, Portland, OR/Grant HS/Univ. of Redlands), Willamette's leading scorer and rebounder last season, did not play against BSU due to injury. In 2008-09, Mitchell averaged 16.7 points and 11.8 rebounds per game.

Willamette will open the season on Friday, Nov. 20 with a home game against Menlo College. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. (PST). The Bearcats will remain at home on Saturday, Nov. 21, when they will host Claremont-Mudd-Scripps, also at 7 p.m.

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

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Bearcats Remain #22 in AFCA Coaches Poll for NCAA Division III

2009-11-04T04:56:12Z

SALEM, ORE. -- For the second consecutive week, the Willamette University football team was ranked #22 when the NCAA Division III Coaches Poll was released by the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) on Monday, Nov. 2. The Bearcats are 6-2 overall, 3-1 in the Northwest Conference.

AFCA COACHES POLL

NCAA Division III
Released on Nov. 2, 2009

After having an off week to end the month of October, the Bearcats will return to action this weekend. Willamette will travel to Tacoma, Wash., to play the University of Puget Sound in NWC action. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. (PST).

There will be a Live Audio Webcast of the game made available through Willamette Athletics and Full Access Sports. The webcast is FREE and will feature play-by-play announcer Mike Allegre and commentator Craig Spivey. It will begin at approximately 12:45 p.m. (PST).

Mount Union College (Ohio) was ranked #1 with an 8-0 record, 39 of 40 first place votes and 999 points in the poll. The #2 team was the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, 8-0, which received the final first place vote and 961 points.

Wesley College (Del.), 8-0, followed at #3 with 910 points, while St. John's University (Minn.), 8-0, was #4 at 874 points. Central College (Iowa) improved to 9-0 with a 17-0 victory over Buena Vista University (Iowa), and was at #5 with 822 points. The top five teams held the same positions in last week's poll.

Last week's 6th-ranked team, Washington and Jefferson College (Pa.), now 7-1, fell to #15 this week after losing to last week's #13 team, Thomas More College (Ky.), 14-7. Linfield College, 8-0, advanced one spot to replace W&J at #6 with 802 points. Case Western Reserve University (Ohio), 8-0, also move up one position to #7 with 718 points.

Rounding out the Top 10 were Monmouth University (Illinois) at #8 with 684 points, the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor (Texas) at #9 with 652 points, and Thomas More at #10 with 637 points. Monmouth is 9-0, while Mary Hardin-Baylor is 7-1 and Thomas More is 8-0.

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

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Willamette is Ranked #24 in D3Football.com Top 25

2009-11-04T04:33:48Z

SALEM, ORE. -- The Willamette University football team had its only open date of the season this past week, but the Bearcats dropped two positions in the D3Football.com Top 25 from #22 a week ago to #24 this week. Willamette, 6-2 overall and 3-1 in the Northwest Conference, will return to action at the University of Puget Sound on Saturday, Nov. 7 at 1 p.m. (PST).

D3Football.com Top 25

Released on Nov. 1, 2009

While the Bearcats had the weekend off, top-ranked Mount Union College (Ohio) routed John Carroll University, 56-7, to improve to 8-0 on the season. Mount Union remained #1 with 19 of 25 first place votes and 619 points in the poll.

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, 8-0, stayed at #2 in the Top 25 with six first place votes and 606 points. Wesley College (Del.) continued to hold the #3 position with an 8-0 record and 565 points. St. John's University (Minn.), 8-0, remained #4 with 525 points, while Linfield College stayed at #5 with 520 points. Central College (Iowa), 9-0, also retained its spot, keeping #6 with 498 points.

The highest ranked team to lose over the weekend was last week's #7 team, Otterbein College (Ohio), which lost to Marietta College (Ohio), 25-22. Otterbein, 7-1, fell to #15 in the poll.

Other teams with significant drops in the poll were North Central College (Illinois), Washington and Jefferson College (Pa.) and Mississippi College. North Central, now 6-2, fell from #9 to #18. Washington and Jefferson, 7-1, went from #11 to #23, while Mississippi College, 6-2, moved from #13 to #22.

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

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Bearcats Set for Exhibition Game at Boise State Tonight

2009-11-04T01:44:41Z

BOISE, IDAHO -- The Willamette University men's basketball team will play an exhibition game tonight, Tuesday, Nov. 3 at Boise State University. Game time against the NCAA Division I Broncos is set for 7:35 p.m. (MST)/6:35 p.m. (PST). The game will not count toward the season record of either team.

Willamette competes in NCAA Division III and the Northwest Conference. The Bearcats will open the season with a pair of home games on Friday, Nov. 20 and Saturday, Nov. 21. In the regular season opener, WU will take on Menlo College at 7 p.m. (PST). On Nov. 21, the 'Cats will host Claremont-Mudd-Scripps at 7 pm. (PST).

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

Bearcats Build 3-0 Lead, Hold Off Missionaries, 3-2

2009-11-02T00:32:36Z

SALEM, ORE. -- Willamette University scored three first-half goals, including two in a 36-second span, then held off Whitman College in the final 15 minutes for a 3-2 win on Sunday, Nov. 1 at Sparks Field. The Bearcats improved to 5-13-0 on the season, including 4-9-0 in the Northwest Conference. The Missionaries fell to 4-11-3 overall, 3-8-2 in the NWC.

BOX SCORE

Willamette University 3
Whitman College 2

Erik Kaufman (So., F, Portland, OR/Grant HS) scored the game's first goal at 7:13 on a shot from 5 yards. He was assisted by Tom Farr (So., MF, Seattle, WA/Ballard HS) and Tim Ikehara-Martin (Fr., MF, Vancouver, WA/Heritage HS).

Farr started the play with a pass from the left side to just past the right post. Ikehara-Martin headed the ball down and back toward the middle. Kaufman shot to his left, past Whitman goalkeeper Nic McDonald.

It was Kaufman's team-leading seventh goal of the year and 13th goal during his first two seasons at Willamette.

Willamette tallied the second goal at 30:02 and the third goal at 30:38. Brendan Dineen (So., D, Portland, OR/Grant HS) started the two-goal outburst with a header from three yards out on a corner kick. Luke Lagattuta (Sr., MF/D, Albuquerque, NM/Highland HS) took the corner and assisted on the play.

Etienne Galbreath (Fr., F/MF, Portland, OR/Grant HS) scored the next goal after beating McDonald to a loose ball near the top right corner of the penalty area. Galbreath immediately shot into the empty net. Lagattuta, whose pass set up the play, received his second assist of the afternoon.

The Bearcats outshot Whitman 10-7 in the opening half, but the Missionaries earned a 9-1 edge in shots over the final 45 minutes. Five of Whitman's shots were in the final nine minutes.

Jordan Thomas scored the first goal for the Missionaries at 77:00 on a 10-yard shot from on the left side of the field. His goal was assisted by Todd Wallenius.

Whitman had a chance to pull within a single goal at 85:57, when a penalty kick was awarded after a handball by Willamette in the penalty area.

Wallenius took the penalty kick and struck the ball hard, but it hit the left post and bounced back onto the field. Sam Freedman connected on a follow-up shot from 10 yards out, but WU goalie Mark Bennett (Sr., Salt Lake City, UT/West HS) registered a save.

The Missionaries scored for the second time at 88:30 on an own goal by the Bearcats. Wallenius sent the ball toward the penalty area and a Willamette defender went up for a header. The ball deflected behind the defender and found its way into the left corner of the net.

Wallenius took another shot at 89:11, but the ball sailed over the goal. It was the last shot of the game by either team.

Bennett recorded eight saves for the Bearcats, including a couple of spectacular saves that kept Whitman off the scoreboard in the first half. McDonald made one save for Whitman. Tim Shu played in goal for the Missionaries in the second half, but did not earn a save.

Willamette, which began the day in seventh place in the NWC standings, moved into a tie for fifth place with Linfield College. Both teams are 4-9 for 12 points. The Bearcats will close out the season by hosting Linfield on Saturday, Nov. 7 at 1:30 p.m. (PST).

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

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