Willamette Plays 14th-Ranked UC-Santa Cruz to 0-0 Tie in Two Overtimes

The Bearcats open Northwest Conference play this weekend, at Whitman College in Walla Walla, Wash., on Saturday and at Whitworth College in Spokane, Wash., on Sunday.

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SALEM - Willamette University and the University of California-Santa Cruz played to a 0-0 tie in two overtimes on Wednesday at Sparks Field. Shutouts were earned by Kari Woody of Willamette, with three saves, and by Katie Loomis of UC-Santa Cruz, who made four saves.

Both teams remained undefeated, as the Bearcats moved to 3-0-1 and the Banana Slugs went to 4-0-2. UC-Santa Cruz entered the game ranked 14th in the nation in this week's NSCAA/Adidas Poll for NCAA Division III.

The game featured quality play from both teams in the match-up of Top 10 teams in the NSCAA/Adidas West Region Poll. UC-Santa Cruz was ranked #2 in the Region, while Willamette was tied for #4.

The Banana Slugs recorded 15 total shots, while the Bearcats earned 14 total shots. Even so, quality scoring chances were at a minimum, as both teams played well on defense. Willamette managed four shots on goal and UC-Santa Cruz took three shots on goal.

Several of the best scoring opportunities were earned in the final 10 minutes of regulation. At 82:11, Willamette's Susan Butler headed the ball near the goal, but her shot was blocked. With 5:19 left, Karli Cowman of Santa Cruz took a hard shot at Woody, but the WU goalie recorded the save and held on to the ball, as another UCSC player approached for a rebound.

With just 43 seconds on the second-half clock, Annick Lamb of UCSC received a pass inside the penalty area, with only Woody to beat. She fired the ball from about seven yards out, but her shot smacked into the crossbar and was eventually cleared.

In the first overtime, Willamette achieved one shot . UC-Santa Cruz registered two shots during the second overtime. The only shot on goal of the extra sessions was by Lamb, whose shot with 5:05 left in the second overtime was easily saved by Woody.

The Bearcats were credited with six corner kicks. UC-Santa Cruz earned five corners. Willamette was called for 14 fouls and the Banana Slugs were whistled for 11 fouls.

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