NEWBERG, Ore. — In the first semifinal game in the history of Northwest Conference lacrosse, the George Fox women's lacrosse team jumped out to a 9-0 lead by the end of the first quarter and rode that momentum for the 20-2 win.
How it Happened
It had been only one week since the Bruins last faced off against the Pirates — unlike the Bruins' 23-5 Senior Day win, though, this game had postseason ramifications on the line. Fox picked up where they left off one week prior, and started hot with a goal 45 seconds into the game from Olivia Geyling off of an assist from Carleigh DeLapp. The Bruins would go on to score another eight goals in the quarter, jumping out to a 9-0 lead to end the quarter. 

Whitworth got one goal back early in the second quarter after a goal from Nikki Beers, before freshman Sasha Thayer scored less than 15 seconds after the draw. The Bruins would continue to put in the goals with four more in a row, taking a 14-2 lead into the half.

The Bruins continued putting in the goals in the third quarter, adding three more to the scoreline. Goalkeeper Emma Webb made ten saves and only allowed two goals while holding down the defense. To round out the game, Fox put away three additional goals in the fourth, locking in the win, 20-2, and ensuring a spot in the championship game. 

Top Performances
Leading the team in goals and points, Marena Tharpe would end the day with five goals and three assists for eight points on the game. Carleigh DeLapp dished the ball off and found five teammates, giving her five assists and two goals. Ava Bluhm ended the day with four goals on five shots. Emma Webb made ten saves on defense, and Lana Davis had five ground balls and two caused turnovers.

What It Means
Fox finishes the regular season 16-1, with a 13-0 record against conference opponents. The win marks their 75th consecutive conference game victory. Whitworth ends the year with a 6-12 record on the season (4-8 NWC). 

Up Next 
The Bruins earned a spot in the NWC championship game with the win. Fox will play against the semifinal two winners in the Willamette Bearcats, who took down second-seeded Whitman, 14-13, following the Bruins' game. The championship will start at 1:00 pm on Sunday at Austin Sports Complex.