FOREST GROVE, Ore. –
Leah Stednick's new career-high eight goals led Linfield to its first Northwest Conference win over Pacific 24-16 at Hanson Stadium on Saturday afternoon. The Wildcats' 24 goals tied their highest total of the season.
Mackenzie Kulick was the next-highest scorer with six goals while
Star Pfleiger added four.
Savannah Irwin tallied six assists.
Tenley Hodge earned the win and totaled five saves. The Wildcats caused nine turnovers and fired off 48 total shots.
Hyland Cullen-Musengo led the Boxers with 10 total goals. Jasmyn Zimmerman was the next closest with three goals. Sophie Sheppard was tagged with the loss after giving up 14 goals. The Boxers (2-5, 0-5 NWC) totaled 22 shots.
Linfield surged to a 7-3 early lead behind Stednick's and Kulick's five combined goals in the first period. Pacific clawed back within two in the second period until back-to-back goals from the 'Cats grew Linfield's lead back up to 14-8 at halftime.
The Boxer outscored the Wildcats in the third quarter 5-4 but the 'Cats continued to hold a comfortable 18-13 lead going into the final frame. Linfield held its highest lead in the fourth quarter going up by as much as 10. Two consecutive goals from Kulick in the closing minutes cemented the Linfield victory.
NEXT
The Wildcats (2-4, 1-3 NWC) are back on the field Wednesday when they face conference leader George Fox at 6 p.m.
