NEWBERG, Ore. — The George Fox women's lacrosse secured the victory in the inaugural Northwest Conference Tournament Championship after a win over the Willamette Bearcats, 20-12. 

How it Happened
Fox entered the game fresh off of a 20-2 win over Whitworth in the NWC Semifinal, while the Bearcats came into Sunday hungry after a thrilling 14-13 overtime win over Whitman. The Bruins got three consecutive draw controls, each leading to a goal. Fox would jump out to a one-goal lead off of a goal from Carlegh DeLapp two and a half minutes into the game. The scoreline would stay the same for another five minutes before the Bearcats would tie it up, 1-1, off of a goal by Tati Klenk. Three Bruin goals stretched the lead two three, and though the Bearcats fought to within one, goals from Marena Tharpe and Olivia Geyling put Fox up three, 6-3.

To start the second quarter, Payton Bergren caused a turnover that led to a fastbreak down the field, where Kyra Barnes found Carleigh DeLapp for the goal. Like the first quarter, Willamette would score on a free position shot, drawing one closer at 7-4. The Bruins would respond with four unanswered goals over four minutes, taking an 11-5 lead into the half. 
Willamette would be the first to score In the second half, but Fox would strike back with a goal just two minutes later. The third quarter saw even play from both teams, with each squad scoring three goals to close out the third, 14-8. 

Off the opening draw win by Kyra Barnes, Marena Tharpe would go down and score a goal. The Bearcats did not quit fighting, scoring three consecutive goals, shrinking the gap to four goals, 15-11. From there, Fox locked, stretching the lead off of a Carleigh DeLapp for the goal, leading to a string of four goals for the Bruins. The Fox lead ballooned from four to nine in just five minutes as the home Bruins stormed the field, winning the first NWC Tournament, 20-12. 

Top Performances
Olivia Geyling and Ava Bluhm led the team in goals with five apiece. Geyling would also dish out three assists. Kyra Barnes would tie Geyling for most posts in the game with eight, coming off of three goals and five assists. Marena Tharpe was close behind with seven points off four goals and three assists. Emma Webb had 13 saves against the Bearcats. 

Coaches Thoughts
"All season long, we have been so proud of our girls and the way they walk into each game ready to compete," Bruin head coach Katie Brand said, "This weekend is definitely extra special. Our team is honored to be the first-ever NWC tournament champions. I am so grateful to our admin staff and the conference for putting on a great tournament. Post-season is always an exciting time and we cannot wait to see who we have next!"

What It Means
Fox finishes the regular season 17-1, with a 14-0 record against conference opponents, and clinches a spot in the NCAA tournament. Willamette ends the year with a 13-4 record on the season (10-3 NWC). 

Up Next 
With the win, the Bruins have qualified for their fourth straight NCAA Tournament. Stay tuned as the Bruins draw to learn their opponent and time.