SALEM, Ore.  – With a roster already depleted with injuries, a stomach bug was the last thing the Northwest Christian University women's soccer team needed floating around on game day. Unfortunately for the Beacons, that was the case on Friday in a 7-0 loss at the hands of Willamette University.
 
According to Head Coach Brett Bentley at least five of the girls were feeling the effects of whatever bug they caught, but with only 13 players dressed, they were forced to fight it out against a good NCAA Division III opponent. "It was sort of a perfect storm," said Bentley.
 
Willamette (1-3) out-shot the Beacons 25-5 including 15 shots-on-goal. NCU managed just three shots on goal, giving Bearcat Keeper Emily Sewell the shutout.  
 
The home team scored early and often, picking up five goals in the first half before adding another pair after the intermission. Jill Phillips scored the first two goals and assisted on two more.
 
All of NCU's shots came from two sources with Stevie Harrison taking three and Karlie Mast two.
 
"We weren't ready tonight physically or mentally," said Bentley. "It is a huge disappointment but definitely an eye opener for our girls who know that things need to be better."
 
The Beacons will hope to be on the mend by Sunday, when they hit the road for a three-game trek through Northern California. NCU will visit Mills College on Monday, Menlo College on Tuesday, returning to Mills College on Wednesday.