PORTLAND, Ore. - The Linfield Wildcats put up a strong fight but came up just short in a 14-12 loss to Lewis & Clark on Wednesday night at Griswold Stadium. Despite standout performances from
Maizri Chandler,
Mackenzie Kulick, and
Madison De La Trinidad, the Wildcats could not overcome a strong performance from the Pioneers.
Linfield opened the game slowly, falling behind 3-0 within the first three minutes as Lewis & Clark capitalized on early possessions and forced two Linfield turnovers in the opening minutes. The Wildcats responded late in the first quarter with goals from
Savannah Irwin and De La Trinidad, closing the gap to 3-2 by the end of the period.
The second quarter saw Linfield take advantage of extra-player opportunities. Chandler sparked the offense with an unassisted goal at the start of the quarter, followed by back-to-back goals from Kulick, both assisted by teammates
Savannah Irwin and
Gabby Crist. This offensive burst gave Linfield its first lead of the game at 5-3. However, the momentum swung back toward Lewis & Clark as it countered with six goals in the quarter, led by Sage Swegle and Aviana Gonzales, regaining control with a 9-7 advantage at halftime.
Linfield battled back in the third quarter, with De La Trinidad netting her second goal of the game to bring the Wildcats within two. But turnovers proved costly, as the Wildcats committed eight in the period, allowing Lewis & Clark to extend its lead to 13-9 entering the final frame.
In the fourth, Linfield mounted one last charge. Chandler struck again and goals from Kulick and Crist in the closing minutes cut the deficit to two. Linfield had opportunities late but could not convert as the Pioneers held on for the win.
Chandler finished with three goals and three assists, while Kulick and De La Trinidad each added three goals of their own. Crist chipped in two goals and two assists. Goalie
Tenley Hodge recorded seven saves in the loss.
Linfield outshot Lewis & Clark 32-28 and won the turnover battle 24-21 but was edged in draw controls 18-10.
NEXT
The Wildcats return home for their next match against Puget Sound at the Linfield Lacrosse Complex on March 9 at 1 p.m.
