TACOMA, Wash. - Behind a historic dominant offensive display from junior midfielder
Gabby Crist, the Linfield Wildcats cruised to a 22-7 Northwest Conference victory over Puget Sound on Saturday at Baker Stadium.
Crist exploded for a career-high 10 goals, placing second for goals in a match in program history and setting the tone from the opening whistle. Linfield raced out to a 8-0 lead midway through the first quarter and never looked back, outshooting the Loggers 26-19 and forcing 18 turnovers in a wire-to-wire win.
Maya Wright added a hat trick and an assist, controlling eight draw controls to help the Wildcats dominate possession early.
Madison De La Trinidad and
Savannah Irwin each chipped in with two goals and three assists apiece, while
Evelyn Cross and
Mackenzie Kulick both scored twice in a balanced Linfield attack.
Crist scored three of her goals in the first quarter, all of which came unassisted, showcasing her ability to create offense. Linfield led 10-2 after one period and pushed the lead to 15-5 by halftime. The Wildcats extended the margin to 22-7 with a strong fourth-quarter finish, capped by Crist's 10th goal with 3:43 left.
In goal,
Caity Babcock made six saves in 45 minutes of action and earned the win.
Tenley Hodge started the game, playing the opening quarter before giving way to the senior Babcock, who also collected a ground ball and helped anchor a defense that held Puget Sound to just two goals in the second half.
The Loggers were led by Michaela Chen's three goals and Cat Schilli's two, but the home side struggled to match Linfield's pace and precision.
Maizri Chandler finished with a goal and a team-high four assists for the Wildcats.
NEXT
Linfield stays in Tacoma for a matchup with Pacific Lutheran on Sunday. The 'Cats look to replicate their success from a month ago when they beat the Lutes 16-3.
