McMINNVILLE, Ore. - Linfield celebrated its senior class prior to Saturday's contest at the Linfield Lacrosse Complex, but George Fox spoiled the festivities with a commanding 22-7 victory in the Wildcats penultimate match of the regular season.
The Bruins showcased their NWC-leading offense, scoring at least three goals in every quarter and limiting the Wildcats to just four goals in the first two frames. Despite the loss, Linfield honored seniors
Caity Babcock,
Kelsey Reinemer,
Mackenzie Kulick and
Maya Wright for their contributions to the program.
Gabby Crist opened the scoring for Linfield, finding the back of the net less than 30 seconds into the game off a feed from
Evelyn Cross. But George Fox quickly responded, unleashing a scoring barrage that resulted in eight first-quarter goals, including four from Morgan Maxfield.
Madison De La Trinidad capped the first period with a goal to cut the deficit to 8-2. She finished with two goals and an assist, tying for the team lead in points alongside Crist with three.
Wright, one of the four seniors honored, recorded a pair of goals, including a power-play tally in the second quarter assisted by Crist. Crist chipped in two goals and an assist, and Cross added a goal and an assist.
After a challenging third quarter in which George Fox outscored Linfield 7-0, the Wildcats showed resilience in the fourth. Crist, Cross and De La Trinidad each netted goals in the final period to trim the margin slightly, but the Bruins' offensive machine remained steady.
In goal, senior
Caity Babcock and sophomore
Tenley Hodge split time evenly, with Hodge collecting six saves and Babcock recording one.
NEXT
Linfield concludes the regular season this Sunday at Willamette, where the Wildcats' postseason fate will likely be determined. With an 8-6 overall record and 4-3 mark in conference play, Linfield finds itself tied for the final tournament spot with Lewis & Clark, a team the Wildcats beat earlier this month.
