Bearcats and Bulldogs fight to a draw

SALEM, Ore. — Willamette University and the University of Redlands battled to a 2-2 draw on Friday evening at Sparks Field. The Bulldogs struck first with a goal in the first half, but the Bearcats responded with an equalizer before halftime. Both teams added another goal in the second half, resulting in the tie. The game was marked by Redlands' 12 total shots to Willamette's 6, while Willamette's goalie recorded four saves.

The first half began with Amanda McArthur taking an early shot for the home team, but it went wide. Redlands then took the lead in the 13th minute with a goal from Natalie Turiace, assisted by Caprial Loescher. The Bearcats responded in the 25th minute when Saylor Carroll scored, assisted by Samantha Rodriguez, leveling the score at 1-1. Siera Edwards made several key saves, including two from CJ Akroush, to keep the match tied at the end of the half.

The second half began with a decisive moment for the home team when Bailey Watland scored in the 54th minute, assisted by Erin Denney, boosting Willamette to a 2-1 lead. This advantage was later matched by the Bulldogs in the 82nd minute as Sabrina Semmere found the net to level the score 2-2. Despite several fouls and a yellow card issued to both teams, the half concluded with the score tied, maintaining a tense atmosphere throughout the latter stages of the match.

Watland scored one goal for the Bearcats, converting her sole shot. Carroll also found the back of the net with her only shot on goal, contributing a goal to the team's tally. Denney added an assist and managed two shots, one of which was on goal. In the net, Edwards recorded four saves across 90 minutes, facing 12 shots and allowing two goals.

Looking ahead, the Bearcats will face Warner Pacific University on their home turf. The match is set for September 7 in Salem, Oregon.