NEWBERG, Ore. -- When the George Fox women's soccer team met the Puget Sound Loggers in Tacoma on September 18, the Bruins handed the Loggers their first Northwest Conference loss of the year. Nearly one month later, the now 22nd-ranked Loggers returned the favor, giving the Fox women their first loss of the year.

How It Happened
The game began with intense physicality between the two teams, with six fouls by either team in the opening minutes. Taylor Ho recorded two shots in the first eight minutes, but from there, the Loggers outshot the Bruins, 6-1. Much of the first half was spent in Loggers territory, with Madeline Bailey and the Bruin defense facing plenty of pressure.

Bailey made an impressive diving save in the 23rd minute to keep the game scoreless, but the Loggers would strike on their next shot on goal. Mimi Carrier-Berndt slipped by Bailey and put in a shot to put UPS in front in the 36th minute. Five minutes later, the Loggers struck again, this time on a penalty kick. The two goals were not only the most allowed by the Bruins in a half but all season in any game.

The Bruin defense hunkered down in the second half, commanding possession against the Loggers. Bella Salazar, who stepped in at goal for Bailey, recorded a season-high in saves in her first extended action of the season. Though the Bruins had more opportunities, the Loggers stuffed the box defensively to prevent shots — allowing only four in the half. The Bruins were unable to break past the Logger defense and were held scoreless in their first loss of the year.

Top Performers
Salazar played the entire second half in goal for the Bruins and finished with three saves. Ho was one of two Bruins to record two shots and one shot on goal, with the other being Hannah Beardemphl. Alexis Breer totaled the other shot on goal for Fox on the day.

Coach's Thoughts
"UPS is a tough opponent and has been in the top 25 in the country many times in recent years," Bruin head coach Laura Schott said, "We have a lot of respect for them. We put in a lot of effort today, but taking the top spot in the NWC and becoming top 25 in the country takes the most consistent performances in the country and we are working toward that daily. Overall, we are having a great season and I am looking forward to the road trip this weekend."

What It Means
The Bruins drop their first game of the season, falling to 7-1-4 with a 5-1-4 NWC mark. The #22 Loggers improve to 11-2-1, with an 8-1-1 NWC mark.

What Happens Next
The Bruins embark on a trip to the "Whits" this next weekend, taking on the Whitworth Pirates on Saturday, October 22 at noon. The Bruins and Pirates tied, 1-1, in their meeting earlier this season.