WALLA WALLA, Wash. --- Linfield women's lacrosse's (5-7, 3-1 NWC) conference winning streak came to an end on Saturday afternoon at the Whitman Blues (7-6, 3-1 NWC), falling 17-2.
 
The Blues struck first just over one minute into the game, taking a quick 1-0 lead. Whitman's defense stifled the Wildcats for the majority of the opening quarter, while their offense consistently scored every few minutes to lead 7-0 after 15 minutes. Linfield's first shot came with 5:15 left in the quarter from Apple Riso, just one of two for the team in the period.
 
Whitman's lead grew to as large as eight early in the second, until the Linfield offense found their stride. Gabby Crist slotted home a free position goal with 10:46 left in the second to put the 'Cats on the board.
 
The defense remained strong for the majority of the quarter, minus a stretch of back-to-back Blues goals at the midway point and a last-second goal to lead 11-1 at halftime.
 
Whitman spread out four more goals across the third quarter, holding the shorthanded Wildcats without a shot in the period.
 
Another Blues goal to begin the fourth made it 16-1 Whitman before Madison DeLaTrinidad got on the board with 11:13 left. One final late goal ended the game and the Linfield winning streak, 17-2. 
 
Linfield was out-shot 37-14 in the game, although the 'Cats were successful (14-15) in clear attempts and caused nine turnovers to the Blues five.
 
Crist and Riso combined for 10 of Linfield 14 total shots, while Grayce Miller had a team-high eight ground balls and Savannah Irwin caused three turnovers. Goalkeeper Tenley Hodge set a new season best with 15 saves on a season-high 37 shots faced, totaling a 49.9% save percentage.
 
The Wildcats wrap up the road trip tomorrow afternoon up in Spokane, Washington, taking on the Whitworth Pirates at 1 p.m.
 
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