EUGENE, Ore.  –The Northwest Christian University women's soccer team exploded for five goals on Tuesday, including two from junior Melyssa Weber (pictured), taking a non-conference game against Simpson University, 5-1.
 
NCU used an aggressive attack and took their chances early and often, finishing with a 14-4 shot advantage. The Beacons collected 11 corner kicks, including 8 in the first-half.
 
Head Coach Brett Bentley said, "Today was a good result for us heading into the last stretch of the season as we make a run at the playoffs. We used this game as a great opportunity to recommit to our tactics, and the girls were rewarded for it."
 
NCU got on the board within four minutes on a beautiful shot from Jacelyn Neumann, playing the ball in the corner off a pass from Karlie Mast, the junior bent a low-percentage angled shot into the opposite side of the net for the go-ahead score and her first goal of the season.
 
Simpson was next to find the back of the net, scoring in the 24th minute when Brooke Gaddy intercepted an ill-advised clearance pass along the Beacon backline and beat the NCU keeper 1-on-1 for the goal.
 
Nine minutes later the Beacons came up with what would amount to the game-winning goal. A free-kick from Linsey Johnson landed in the box where Mishayla Bertelsen quickly passed the ball off to her left. Janelle Richards received the pass and chipped a five-yarder over the Red Hawk keeper and into the net. It was the team-leading eighth goal of the season for Richards. The Beacons were ahead 2-1 and headed into the intermission.
 
A solid first half effort was equaled over the final 45 minutes with NCU coming up with three more goals, using an 8-1 advantage in shots. Just under five minutes into the second stanza, Weber fired a 20-yard bomb off a through-ball from Mast, past the outstretched arms of the Simpson keeper.
 
Weber would also add the next insurance score in the 85th minute when a corner kick from Bertelsen found the Midfielder's 5-11 frame for an easy header into the corner.
 
The final goal came in the 89th minute when Bertelsen found pay dirt of her own, punching home a ten-yard strike off another free kick from Johnson.
 
With two assists, Bertelsen has tied Karli Vath (2008-2011) for NCU's career record. Both players have 13 assists to their names. Bertelsen also ranks fourth all-time for goals and third for points.
 
NCU will be back in action on Saturday, playing host to Corban University at 6 p.m. The Beacons are in the throes of a four-game home stand to close out the regular season. "I'm pleased with the effort and enthusiasm we showed today," said Bentley. "I believe this sets us up well moving into our final matches."