McMINNVILLE, Ore. – Linfield tied the game before the break, but Whitworth scored six goals in the second half to win a physical and defensive-focused game, 10-6, Sunday at the Linfield Lacrosse and Soccer Complex.
Whitworth's Anna Chase notched the only goal for either team in the first quarter, finding the back of the net with 1:33 left in the period. The Pirates scored the first four goals of the afternoon, but Linfield responded with a 4-0 run late in the second quarter to even the score at halftime.
The Pirates held the Wildcats to eight shots in the second half and took advantage of 14 Linfield turnovers. The Bucs controlled 15 of the game's 20 draws. Caitlin Smith led all players with three goals to go with an assist. Chase and Sierra Witte scored two goals apiece.
Maizri Chandler led the Wildcats with two goals, scoring back to back as part of the second-quarter comeback.
Mackenzie Kulick,
Gabby Crist,
Savannah Irwin and
Erynn McCurdy also picked up goals for the 'Cats.
One of Linfield's captains in 2023, Kulick did a little bit of everything to keep the 'Cats in striking distance. The sophomore tallied four draw controls, three ground balls and as many caused turnovers.
Grayce Miller caused a game-high five turnovers.
The 'Cats outshot the Pirates 27-23 with 19 shots on goal, but they were once again tamed by a stellar goalkeeper performance. The Pirates' Hannah Lew played the full 60 minutes in goal, making 13 saves to earn the win.
Caity Babcock made two saves in her sixth start of the season while
Tenley Hodge entered the game in the second half and made five more saves for the 'Cats.
NEXT
Linfield (2-8, 2-6 NWC) will take a week off before returning to Northwest Conference play against first-place and unbeaten George Fox. The 'Cats and Bruins will play at 1 p.m. on April 8 in Newberg.
