Bearcats Fall to Chapman in Overtime, 2-1

Willamette Battles with Undefeated Panthers in California.

Salem-News.com Sports

ORANGE, Calif. - Chapman University tied Willamette University by scoring with 3:16 remaining in regulation, then won the game in the first overtime, as the Panthers remained undefeated by edging the Bearcats, 2-1, on Sunday, Sept. 13. Chapman upped its record to 5-0, while Willamette dropped to 1-2-1.

Willamette's goal was scored by Alex Batzer (Jr., F, Medford, OR/North Medford HS) just 6:01 into the game. Haley Rosenthal (Sr., MF, Cheyenne, WY/Cheyenne East HS) earned an assist after starting the play with a corner kick. WU's lead held until Kate Lilly scored for Chapman at 86:44 on an assist from Rosie Chinen.

The teams went to overtime with the score level at 1-1. As sometimes happens in soccer the winning goal was more of a fluke than an outstanding build-up by the Panthers. Chapman won at 93:52 on an own goal.

"We exposed them on the flanks throughout the game," said Willamette Head Coach Hillary Arthur. "We played our hearts out for over 90 minutes."

Willamette has played three overtime games in six days. The Bearcats tied NCAA Division II opponent Western Oregon University, 0-0, in two overtimes on Sept. 9. WU lost in overtime to the University of Redlands, 2-1, on Sept. 12.

On Sunday, Chapman finished with a 19-13 edge in total shots and a 12-8 advantage in shots on goal. Lilly and Stephanie Lambrakis each took five shots for Chapman. Batzer registered five shots, including three on goal, for the Bearcats.

Kelli Gano (Jr., GK, Portland, OR/Cleveland HS) recorded four saves for Willamette in the first half. Jill Schneeman (So., GK, Burien, WA (Mount Rainier HS) earned six saves in the second half and overtime.

Chloe Canta of Chapman played 86:42 in goal and achieved seven saves. Rissa Anderson played in the net for the final 7:10 of the first half before Canta returned for the start of the second half.

The Bearcats will open Northwest Conference play by hosting nearby rival Linfield College on Wednesday, Sept. 16. Game time at Sparks Field is set for 5:00 p.m. (PDT). Willamette will close out the week by playing the defending NWC champions from the University of Puget Sound on Saturday, Sept. 19 as part of WU's Reunion Weekend. Kickoff is slated for 12:00 p.m. (PDT).

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