McMINNVILLE, Ore. - Linfield launched its Northwest Conference campaign in emphatic fashion, overpowering Pacific 21-5 at the Linfield Lacrosse Complex on Saturday afternoon. Led by
Savannah Irwin's career-high six-goal explosion and 15 straight goals, the Wildcats improved to 2-1 on the season, while Pacific dropped to 1-1.
The Wildcats wasted no time asserting their dominance.
Evelyn Cross opened the scoring just 21 seconds into the contest, setting the tone for a first-quarter offensive onslaught. Although Pacific responded with two quick goals from Cameron Cabuco and Sarah Quade to momentarily take the lead, Linfield closed the quarter with a stunning 6-0 run.
Maizri Chandler netted the equalizer for the Wildcats and
Mackenzie Kulick put in two of her own as Linfield took a 7-2 at the end of the first quarter.
Linfield's offense kept rolling in the second quarter, netting another seven goals.
Savannah Irwin was unstoppable, scoring three consecutive goals and finishing the quarter with four.
Madison DeLaTrinidad continued to shine, adding a second goal and assisting on two others. The Wildcats entered halftime with a comfortable 14-2 advantage.
The Boxers briefly showed signs of life in the third quarter with goals from Quade and Ellena Willingham, cutting the deficit to 16-4. However, Linfield answered each score swiftly. Cross added her fourth goal of the afternoon, while Irwin closed the quarter with her fifth goal, restoring Linfield's dominant cushion.
Linfield sealed the victory with a strong fourth quarter. Wright completed her four-goal performance with two more strikes, including a free-position goal. Kulick completed her hat trick, and Irwin capped her six-goal day with a final strike at the 2:46 mark. Pacific added a late goal from Jasmyn Zimmerman off an assist from Ellena Willingham.
Tenley Hodge anchored Linfield's defense with two saves, supported by a defense that forced 16 Pacific turnovers. The Wildcats outshot the Boxers 37-9 and dominated draw controls 18-9, with Wright and Kulick each securing seven.
NEXT
Linfield looks to extend its winning streak to three when it travels to Portland on Wednesday to play Lewis & Clark at 7 p.m.
