SALEM, Ore. – The outcome may have been the same, but the game was played at a different level for the NCU women's soccer team in their second match of the season, falling 1-0 on the road to Willamette University.
 
After allowing 30 shot attempts, including 13 shots-on-goal to Saint Martin's on Saturday, the Beacon defense was able to tighten the screws on Sunday, allowing the Bearcats to take just four shots-on-goal.
 
Willamette (2-0) held a 14-5 edge in shot attempts but only scored once, getting a penalty kick in the 29th minute.
 
The Beacons grabbed more possession in the second half and had a solid chance to tie the game with 1:36 left when Hannah Best ran onto a lengthy pass on a counter-attack. With two defenders breathing down her neck, Best maintained control as she dashed toward the goal. The freshman fired a shot from just inside the penalty area but the Willamette keeper registered the save.
 
NCU will play their third straight game on Monday, traveling to Portland for a neutral-site game against Mid-America Nazarene from Kansas. Warner Pacific will host the contest on their home field at the Eastside Timbers Sports Complex at 1:00 pm.