McMINNVILLE, Ore. - Linfield fell to the Berry Vikings 15-9 on Wednesday evening at the Linfield Lacrosse Complex as Linfield's
Gabby Crist netted the 100
th goal of her career. Despite a strong defensive performance from the Wildcats where they forced 29 turnovers, Linfield struggled to execute on the offensive side of the field.
Linfield was led by Crist, who recorded a hat trick with three goals and added two assists for a team-high five points.
Maizri Chandler also had a standout performance, contributing two goals and two assists.
Maya Wright and
Mackenzie Kulick each added a goal, with Kulick's coming off an assist from
Savannah Irwin, who also scored once.
The Wildcats started strong, with Wright scoring the first goal for Linfield, assisted by Crist, to tie the game at 1-1 early in the first quarter. However, Berry responded with a flurry of goals, taking a 4-3 lead by the end of the first period. Linfield kept pace in the second quarter, with
Evelyn Cross and Crist adding goals, but Berry's offense proved too much, as they extended their lead to 8-5 by halftime.
In the second half, Linfield fought to close the gap, with Chandler scoring back-to-back goals and Kulick adding another to shrink the Viking's lead to one. However, Berry buckled down and rattled off five straight goals to take a 14-8 lead with just three minutes remaining in the game. Both teams would exchange another goal before the final buzzer sounded and the Vikings came away with another victory.
Defensively, Linfield's
Madison DeLaTrinidad was a force, causing six turnovers and picking up two ground balls.
Kelsey Reinemer also had a strong game, causing three turnovers and securing two ground balls. In goal,
Tenley Hodge made nine saves, but the Wildcats struggled to contain Berry's relentless attack, which outshot Linfield 30-19.
NEXT
Linfield returns to action on Saturday afternoon with a match against the Pacific Lutheran Lutes at the Linfield Lacrosse Complex with a 1 p.m. start time.
