McMINNVILLE, Ore. – Pacific just wouldn't go away, but Linfield edged the Boxers 12-11 in a nail-biting Senior Night game Wednesday at the Linfield Lacrosse and Soccer Complex.
Before the game, the Wildcats honored two graduating defenders in
Maranda Tucker and
Elena Kroll. Kroll notched her second career goal with three seconds left in the third quarter to put Linfield up 9-8 going into the fourth. She finished with a game-high four ground balls to go with two caused turnovers and five draw controls in her final home game. Tucker added a ground ball and two caused turnovers.
The score was tied at 10-10 with less than 10 minutes remaining, but
Gabby Crist and
Erynn McCurdy scored back-to-back goals to give Linfield the lead and some insurance. Pacific responded to cut the Wildcats' lead to one, but the 'Cats found a way to keep pressure on the Boxer defenders and run out the clock to avoid overtime.
The final score didn't reflect how dominant Linfield was in all other aspects of the game. The 'Cats outshot the Boxers 36-22 with 25 shots on goal. Thirteen of their shots came in the third quarter, but they only came away with one goal thanks in large part to Pacific goalkeeper Diane Crets, who made six of her 13 saves in the period. The 'Cats caused 20 turnovers and finished with a 20-7 advantage in ground balls.
Crist and
Mackenzie Kulick led the Linfield attack with three goals each. Kulick matched her season high with 10 shots while Crist dished out two assists. The freshman from Lake Oswego led all players with four caused turnovers and nine draw controls.
Caity Babcock played the opening 30 minutes in goal, making eight saves.
Tenley Hodge entered the game after halftime and earned her first collegiate win.
NEXT
Linfield enters the weekend at 3-10 overall and 3-8 in Northwest Conference play. The 'Cats can secure a fifth-place finish in the standings when they head to Tacoma on Saturday to take on Puget Sound in their season finale. The last meeting between the two teams ended in a 13-10 Linfield win on March 11 in McMinnville.
