SALEM, Ore. -- (From Geoff Sugerman, WU SID) Marissa Williams scored twice and the Whitworth defense

Williams scored twice

made it stand up as the Pirates defeated the Willamette University 2-0 in the Northwest Conference women's soccer opener for both teams Saturday at Sparks Field.

Whitworth is now 2-1-1, 1-0 NWC, while the Bearcats slip to 2-3, 0-1 NWC.

Williams tallied her first goal in the opening minute of play, converting a pass from Sarah Brogden-Thome to give the Pirates an early lead. She scored again - this time on a free kick - in the 21st minute.

Then the Pirate defense then took over. The Bearcats out shot Whitworth 19-15, but the Pirates had an 11-5 edge in shots on goal. Goalie Jenn Miller had five saves in the Pirate shut out. For Willamette, goalie Kari Woody had nine saves.

Both teams play again on Sunday as the Bearcats host Whitman at noon and the Pirates travel to George Fox.