SPOKANE, Wash. – Linfield tied the game late, but a strong fourth quarter by Whitworth sunk the Wildcats in an 11-6 contest Sunday at the Whitworth Pine Bowl.
Whitworth took a 4-2 lead into halftime. Freshman
Erynn McCurdy notched her first career goals in the second quarter. Trailing 5-2 in the third quarter, Linfield scored three straight goals to tie the game at 5-all.
Joelle Fineman registered the third goal for the Wildcats while
Maizri Chandler went back-to-back to tie it up.
The Pirates took control in the fourth quarter, scoring six of the game's last seven goals to run away with their first-ever win over the Wildcats in their eight meetings. They fired off 20 shots on goal in the win, nine coming in the fourth quarter. Sierra Witte and Kenzie Hemman led the attack with three goals apiece.
Linfield put 12 of its 15 shots on goal and picked up 44 ground balls. The Wildcats caused 22 turnovers in a strong effort on the defensive end.
Sophomore
Mackenzie Kulick was the final goal scorer for the 'Cats, sending in her second of the season with just over eight minutes left in the game. The freshman Chandler put all four of her shots on goal.
Grayce Miller anchored the defense in limiting the Pirates to just five goals in the first three quarters. She recorded a game-high 11 ground balls and five caused turnovers.
Caity Babcock played the entire game in goal for the 'Cats, making nine saves in her second outing of the season.
NEXT
The 'Cats (0-2, 0-2 NWC) host Alma (Mich.) in a non-conference game at 4 p.m. Tuesday. They'll return to Northwest Conference play on the weekend, playing George Fox at home on Saturday and Willamette in Salem on Sunday.
