Bearcat Women’s Soccer Team Tied For #13 in NCAA Division III National Rankings

Willamette is 10-1-1 and Ranked #2 in the West Region

Salem-News.com Sports

SALEM - The Willamette University women’s soccer team dropped eight spots to #13 in the NCAA Division III National Rankings this week, after defeating Pacific University, 4-0, and losing to Pacific Lutheran University, 1-0, over the weekend.

Willamette also fell from the top spot to #2 in the West Region Rankings. The Bearcats are 10-1-1 overall and lead the Northwest Conference at 7-1-0.

The national and regional rankings are conducted by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA).

The Bearcats outshot Pacific, 32-16, including 7-3 in shots on goal. The Bearcats held a 3-0 lead at halftime on their way to the team’s ninth shutout of the season.

Against Pacific Lutheran, the Bearcats played an even game with the Lutes, as PLU earned a slim 9-8 advantage in total shots. PLU also held a 4-2 lead in shots on goal, but Willamette achieved a 7-3 edge in corner kicks. Pacific Lutheran improved to 4-0 at home this season.

This week’s NCAA Division III National Poll features three teams from the Northwest Conference. In addition to Willamette at #13, Whitworth College is #20 at 8-1-2 and the University of Puget Sound is #24 at 7-1-3.

The Bearcats have not allowed more than one goal this season. WU’s team goals against average of 0.245 ranks eighth in NCAA Division III.

Willamette is at home for two Northwest Conference games this coming weekend. The Bearcats will host Whitworth in a Top 20 match-up on Saturday at noon.

WU has 21 points in the NWC standings for a two-point lead over the Pirates, who are 6-1-1 (19 points) in the conference.

On Sunday, Willamette will play Whitman College, starting at noon. Whitman is 2-4-3 overall and 2-3-3 in the NWC (5th place, 9 points).

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