NEWBERG, Ore. -- The Bruins clinched a spot in the NWC Final after a 19-10 win over the Linfield Wildcats. 

How It Happened
The Bruins got off to a hot start, scoring two goals in the first 2.5 minutes of the game. Sasha Thayer got the scoring started after a caused turnover by Merrick Gibson set up a fast break. Gibson got a goal of her own just a minute and a half later, giving the Bruins a 2-0 lead early. The Wildcats traded a pair of goals back and forth, before a patient offensive possession by the Bruins made it 4-2. They slotted two more goals for the rest of the quarter after Ava Bluhm and Morgan Maxfield both made great individual efforts to make it 6-2 after one. 

In the second quarter, the Bruins got off to another hot start, extending their lead to five after back-to-back goals by Lana Davis. Linfield then took control of the momentum, scoring three of the last four goals of the period to draw within three at the end of the half. Audrey White broke up their scoring streak, making a great run into the offensive zone following a turnover by Linfield's Emma Baker. She took advantage of the wide open look, netting a goal to help break up the scoring streak. 

Sticking with a consistent theme, the Bruins got off to yet another hot start to begin the third quarter, scoring three goals within the first 4.5 minutes of the third quarter. Claire Abraham netted a goal from Davis directly following a free-position attempt, then Bluhm knocked in two goals in less than a minute. This put the Bruins up by six - an almost insurmountable lead. Linfield immediately scored three goals in a row, making the score 12-9 with just under four minutes left in the third quarter. Davis and Gibson each netted a goal to finish out the quarter, finishing out with a 14-9 lead. It was all Bruins from then on out, as they outscored the Wildcats 5-1 in the fourth quarter. Gibson picked up her third goal of the game, and Bluhm and Abraham both netted two goals to finish the scoring for the Bruins. 

Top Performers
Lana Davis finished with five goals and an assist, Ava Bluhm netted five of her own, and Claire Abraham and Merrick Gibson picked up three goals as well. Myah Pack picked up the win in goal, finishing with seven saves and only 10 goals against.

Coach's Thoughts
"The defense really stepped up today and played as a unit," said Bruins head coach Jordyn Merkel. "There were a lot of good opportunities, and the energy on the field was really good. They were ready for the semifinals and now we're ready to get after it in the championship on Sunday." 

What It Means
The Bruins move on to the conference final on Sunday, May 4th! They will play for the conference tournament title and a spot in the NCAA DIII national tournament. 

What Happens Next
The Bruins will play Whitman on Sunday, May 4th at 1:00 pm. Tickets are available on the George Fox athletic website and you can watch it live on the Bruin Sports Network.