EUGENE, Ore.  – The Northwest Christian University women's soccer team hit the road for the first time this season only to walk away with a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Willamette University. The teams were even in scoring opportunities, but the Beacons were unable to find the back of the net.
 
Perhaps still haunted by a tough 7-0 loss at the hands of the Bearcats last season, NCU started the night slowly as WU needed just 37 seconds to find the scoreboard when Kinsey Keene scored from six yards out off a cross by Veronica Ewers.
 
Head Coach Jessica Cardwell said, "We entered this game a little fearful from last year and that fear translated into some early breakdowns."
 
The insurance goal was added by Willamette in the 31st minute when Ewers scored off a combo pass from Marley Duncan and Jill Phillips.
 
The Beacons, however, responded from that point on going on the attack with numerous shot opportunities. The shot count was slightly in NCU's favor over the final sixty minutes and the NCU defense allowed just three shots-on-goal for the remainder, all saved by senior Kristin Fulbright.
 
"Kristin and our back line were able to keep us in the game," said Cardwell. "From late in the first half, we were on the attack. I am very pleased with the effort I saw today. The girls went out and left the field knowing we gave our best."

Fulbright finished with five saves, pushing her career total to 209. She needs just two saves to become NCU's all-time leader in that category. The Beacons also collected five shots-on-goal, led by two off the bench from Joceline Howard (pictured).
 
The Beacons (0-3) will look for their first victory on Saturday when they travel to face Oregon Tech in a non-conference game at 1:00 pm. The Owls will also be looking for their premiere win of the season.