SALEM, Ore. – Visiting Whitworth University came away with a 1-1 draw in a strong offensive performance against Willamette in a Northwest Conference women's soccer match on Sunday at Sparks field.
The Pirates (1-6-6 overall, 1-5-4 NWC), sent a season-high 18 shots toward the net but the Bearcats (3-5-7, 2-4-6 NWC) withstood the pressure and kept the score even.
Despite a strong Whitworth offensive first half that yielded a 9-3 shot advantage, Willamette took a 1-0 lead in the 17th minute. Maya Willis collected a long free kick and dished it to the middle of the box where Samantha Rodriguez put it into the top left corner.
The Pirates kept the pressure on in the second half and found the equalizer in the 67th minute. Rebekah Hines' shot from the top of the box was saved but Addison Dizard was there for a rebound and kneed the ball across the goal line for her second score of the season.
The Bucs had two shots on goal just outside the 80-minute mark, but Bearcat goalkeeper Siera Edwards was up to the task and prevented a go-ahead goal.
Whitworth finished the match with an 18-7 advantage in shots and 7-2 lead in shots on goal. The Pirates generated four corner kicks to Willamette's one. After a significant scoring drought, the Bucs have now scored in back-to-back matches.
Emma Ellerd led all players with four shots and Dizard led the Pirates with two shots on goal. Maia Santa Monica, Madison Carr and Hines each had two shots. Karlee Roderick made one save in 65 minutes. Paige Broadrick played the final 24 minutes in net.
Claire Warthen and Rodriguez each had a shot on goal to lead the Bearcats. Edwards made six saves.
The Pirate women will look to keep the momentum going at home against Whitman on Wednesday.
