TACOMA, Wash. – First-half goals by Natalie Amara and Emma Smith lofted the Linfield Wildcats to a 2-1 Northwest Conference victory over Puget Sound Saturday afternoon at Peyton Field.
 
The match marked the first conference game of the season for each team.
 
First Half
Amara tallied the initial Wildcat goal after finding the net on a corner kick during the 24th minute.
 
Smith doubled Linfield's advantage just 1:19 before halftime, tallying her first conference score, thanks in part to an assist by Desirae DesRosiers.
 
Second Half
The Loggers sliced the Wildcats' lead in half after Lura Morton finished a cross to Tess Peppis in the 68th minute. Linfield stood strong after that, holding Puget Sound to one shot on goal after conceding.
 
Leading Wildcats
Along with Smith's four shots, Taylor Cole and Carole Thomas tallied three attempts each. Three of Smith's shots were on goal. Wildcats goalkeeper Sarah Bailey finished the day with five saves.
 
Top Loggers
Kendra Elderkin recorded a team-high four shots. Morton led her side with two shots on goal. The Loggers outshot the Wildcats 17-16. Jamie Lang ended with eight saves in goal.
 
What It Means
Linfield improves to 3-2 in its first NWC match of the season. The Loggers fall to 2-2-1.
 
Ahead
The Wildcats finish their two-game road swing with a visit to Pacific Lutheran Sunday at noon.