MCMINVILE, Ore. -- The Loggers get a massive win over the Linfield Wildcats, positioning themselves well heading into the final weekend of the season. With a Pacific Lutheran tie, the Loggers now control their own destiny and sit tied with PLU atop the Northwest Conference Standings. 

After beating Pacific yesterday, the Loggers came out quickly against the Wildcats. After a couple of stray shots by Linfield, Mazy Wright put one on frame in the 12th minute. Sydney Boyd then found the back of the net in the 18th, scoring her third of the season for Puget Sound. Zoe Witter dribbled the ball into the right side of the box, crossing it through heavy traffic. Leila Hausia-Haugen let the ball go through, as Boyd was wide open on the far post. She slotted it in to go up 1-0. 

The rest of the half was pretty calm, up until the 41st minute. Three yellow cards were shown as the Loggers went into the half with a 1-0 lead. 

The second half started with a flurry, as the Loggers earned a corner kick just a minute and a half into the period. Kate Short missed with a shot over the crossbar, but the Loggers kept on the front foot. Wright and Hausia-Haugen both put shots on frame, but neither converted. 

The Loggers did a great job defensively, holding the Wildcats to just two shots in the second half. They found the back of the net to secure the victory in the 82nd minute, as Short continues to find ways to score goals. The freshman rose up over the Linfield defenders, putting the ball in the back of the net with her head following a corner kick. Fellow freshman Charlotte Willis was credited with the assist, playing the dangerous ball into the box. 

Despite the two-goal lead, the Wildcats weren't quite done. A foul in the box by Ellie Rutkin gave Linfield a penalty kick with just 40 seconds to go. Gianna Maldonado stepped up to the challenge, guessing the correct way and making a massive save to keep a clean sheet. The Loggers ended with a 2-0 lead and now control their own destiny to make the NCAA Tournament. 

Short led the team with a goal on five shots, while Boyd scored after playing a full 90 minutes. Maldonado made three saves and kept a clean sheet as well. 

Coach's Thoughts
"Our team has been laser-focused all year, and that was true today as well," said Logger head coach Stephanie Cox. "We knew that we were going to play a very competitive and scrappy Linfield team. Super proud of our team for executing on our opportunities on a dynamic attack from our front three. Kate Short continues to dominate in the air and scored off a great corner today to help solidify our win. Lastly, Gianna stepped up huge in the last minute to save a PK and protect our shutout. Our entire team and their tough mentality this weekend enable us to get two important wins. Roll Logs!"

The Loggers take on Whitman next Saturday, November 8th, at 11:00 am.