NEWBERG, Ore. --- George Fox wrapped up its best women's soccer season since the NAIA era with a 1-0 win over Willamette on the Bruins' home pitch.

How It Happened

The Bruins set the pace from the jump and worked their way into the Bearcats' defensive 18 in the opening moments, earning their first corner in the 11th minute. Keeping their pressure, the Bruins kept the ball in their attacking end and drew a foul just outside the 18 that led to a free kick on the wing. The Bearcats' keeper made the save on a shot from Claire Wright, but the rebound skipped to Madison Burch who finished it for the 1-0 lead in the 15th minute.

The Bruins kept up their intensity throughout the half and did a good job of turning away the Bearcats repeatedly when Willamette was able to mount counterattacks. At the half, the Bruins' 1-0 lead held steady, and the Bruins only allowed a single shot to their guests in the second period for their fifth straight shutout win with the 1-0 final.

Top Performers

Burch's game-winner came early and Wright's assist was almost a goal in its own right, as it was well-struck off of her foot and ricocheted far enough away to be an easy finish at the doorstep for Burch.

On the back line, the Bruins' defensive unit only allowed two shots on goal and Annalisa Klein saved both to keep the clean sheet.

What It Means

The victory gives the Bruins a 6-2 record both overall and in conference play, putting them fourth in the final NWC standings behind Linfield (7-1), Puget Sound (7-3), and Pacific Lutheran (6-3-1). When taking into account that the Washington schools have played two additional matches, Fox ranks second in the NWC by win percentage.

Under first-year head coach Laura Schott, the Bruins notched the best winning percentage (.750) and the fewest goals allowed per game (.625) in a single season during the NCAA era of the program. The Bruins' five shutouts are the third-most during their NWC membership in just eight games played this season.