NEWBERG, Ore. - After an even match through the first three quarters, the George Fox Lacrosse team surged to victory after outscoring the Bearcats by three in the final quarter to secure a win, 13-10, and remain undefeated in conference play.  

How It Happened
The Bruins struck first to get the action started, with Marena Tharpe finding the net for the first time after an assist from Ava Bluhm. The Bruins only other goal of the quarter came two minutes later after Olivia Geyling secured her first goal of the night. The Bearcats would end up besting the Bruins by one in the quarter, carrying a 3-2 lead into the second quarter. 

Tharpe and Bluhm once again tag-teamed to begin the second half. Less than two minutes into the quarter, Tharpe struck first for the Bruins after another assist from Bluhm, tying the score at three apiece. Tharpe scored an unassisted goal less than two minutes later, and Carleigh DeLapp rounded out the scoring for the Bruins two minutes after to give the Bruins five points heading into the half. The Bruins defense held the Bearcats to just two points in the second quarter, making it a tie ballgame heading into the second half. 

Geyling and Tharpe each tallied another goal in the third quarter, with Ava Bluhm recording her first of the game to go along with her two assists. The Bearcats matched this tally as well, sending the game into the fourth quarter locked in a 8-8 tie. 

Willamette struck first, tallying two goals early in the quarter to take a quick 10-8 lead. The Bruins then responded with five unanswered goals to take the lead and win the game. The rally began with a goal from Carleigh DeLapp with an assist from Marena Tharpe, after which Morgan Maxfield tied the game after an assist from Lana Davis. Davis also assisted Geyling with a goal a few minutes later, before scoring one of her own as the quarter was winding down. The Bruins rounded out their rally with an unassisted goal from Geyling, putting a nail in the coffin of a great team win.   

Top Performers
Marena Tharpe and Olivia Geyling led the Bruins offense with four goals each, while Carleigh DeLapp had two as well. Tharpe also tallied two assists, a total that was matched by Ava Bluhm and Lana Davis as well. On defense, Emma Webb contributed three saves to keep the Bruins in the lead.  
  

What It Means 
The Bruins remain at the top of the Northwest Conference standings with three games left to play, distancing themselves from the second place Bearcats. George Fox improves to 10-3, 9-0 NWC, and Willamette moves to 10-3, 7-2 NWC. 

What Happens Next
The Bruins hit the field again on Sunday against Pacific in Forest Grove at 1:00 p.m.