NEWBERG, Ore. -- The George Fox women's lacrosse team continued their undefeated season, holding off Willamette in an 18-7 victory on Saturday afternoon.

How It Happened
The Bruin defense controlled the game in the opening period, holding Willamette scoreless and forcing 11 turnovers to start the game. The Bearcats, who entered Saturday third in the conference with 14 goals per game, were held to four total shots to Fox's four goals. The Bruins had four different players — Olivia Geyling, Carleigh DeLapp, Marena Tharpe, and Ava Bluhm — find the back of the net in the first.

The Bearcats attempted to inch closer in the second quarter, scoring three goals, but Fox kept the foot on the pedal, taking a 9-3 lead into the half. Tharpe started things off with a goal one minute in and added another 90 seconds later. The Bruin offense kept a steady attack, outshooting Willamette 13-7 in the period.

Fox scored six goals in the third, turning on the running clock with four minutes remaining on a Payton Bergen goal that made the score 14-4. Aggression remained high into the fourth quarter, where both teams battled hard and played to the final horn. Sasha Thayer scored the 18th and final goal of the day with 26 seconds remaining to give Fox their second win of the season over Willamette, 18-7.

Top Performers
As has become a regularity this season, several different Bruins found the back of the net, with 10 different goal-scorers in the game. Ava Bluhm led the team with four in the afternoon, while Marena Tharpe, Olivia Geyling, and Carleigh DeLapp each scored two. Emma Webb finished the day with six saves, while Kyra Barnes stayed active with six ground balls and seven draw controls.

Coach's Thoughts
"Today felt like a good team win," Bruin head coach Katie Brand said, "We made a few adjustments during practice this week and I'm proud of how our players executed what we worked on. They are starting to see the bigger picture and as coaches that is what gets us excited for the weeks to come."

What It Means
The Bruins improve to 8-0 (7-0 NWC), while Bearcats fall to 6-3 (4-3 NWC).

What Happens Next
The Bruins will take another break from NWC action with their second midweek game in as many weeks, taking on the Chapman Panthers at Austin Sports Complex. The game is scheduled to begin at 6:30 pm.