PARKLAND - Willamette scored a goal in each half and weathered a late offensive surge by Pacific Lutheran to garner a 2-0 Northwest Conference women's soccer victory on Sunday afternoon.

The Bearcats improved their overall record to 6-5-1 and the conference mark to 5-3-0, strengthening their grip on third place halfway through the NWC schedule. Pacific Lutheran is now 3-9-0 overall and 2-6-0 in the conference.

Emily Wigington gave the Bearcats the lead just 4:02 into the match, picking up a loose ball and hitting a 25-yard drive over the outstretched fingers of PLU goalkeeper Lauren Chambard. The goal was the first of the season for the Willamette defender. Willamette continued to put pressure on the Lutes throughout the first half, taking eight shot to just three for the hosts. PLU's best chance came on a Courtney Walker free kick that goalkeeper Kelli Gano punched away at the far post.

The second half started out with the Lutes putting lots of pressure on the Willamette defense, but after that early onslaught the Bearcats regained momentum and took a 2-0 lead on Stephanie Skelly's third goal of the season at the 60:38 mark. Skelly was in the right spot to gather in a loose ball near the top of the penalty box, take one touch and then shoot past Chambard and into the far netting.

Willamette held a 12-5 advantage in shots until a PLU offensive surge that led to a frantic final 10 minutes of action. The Lutes got off five additional shots, forcing two saves from Schneeman, before the final whistle.

Willamette ended up with a 12-10 advantage in shots, though the Lutes took five corner kicks to just one for the visitors. Chambard made three saves for PLU.

The Lutes return to conference action next weekend with road games against Whitworth and Whitman.

- PLU -