SALEM, Ore. - A two-game West-ward swing for Whitman College's women's soccer team opened Saturday at Willamette University where the host Bearcats scratched out a 2-0 Northwest Conference victory behind one goal late in each half.

Saturday's result leaves Whitman with an 0-2-1 record in the league and an 0-6-1 mark overall. Willamette improves to 2-1 and 2-4-1, respectively.

Missionaries goalkeeper Haley Case finished her afternoon with seven saves, three during the opening 45 minutes and the other four in the second half. Each of the goals surrendered came with less than five minutes remaining in the half.

Whitman actually had one of the early chances at breaking a scoreless tie when Alissa Soo's shot in the 27th minute required the actions of Willamette keeper Emily Sewall. The attack was held in check for the remainder of the half but Whitman's defense held firm until the final minutes.

Willamette worked for a corner kick opportunity and converted the set play when Kelsey Walker's header off the kick slipped just under the crossbar at the 40:34 mark.

Whitman's best chance for the equalizer came in the 66th on a Chelsea Day shot that Sewall was able to hold onto to preserve the Bearcats' slim lead.

The back-breaker for Whitman came in the 88th when Marley Duncan's shot from outside the box rebounded off the left post then across the goal line to double the home team's advantage.

Sewall picked up the win in goal for Willamette with her two saves.

The road trip continues Sunday for Whitman with the short trip to Linfield College for a noontime league match-up.