FOREST GROVE, Ore. – Michaela Chen scored her first hat trick on four goals in the 10-8 victory at Pacific University on Sunday afternoon. The Loggers scored five goals on eight shots in the first period.
Bailey Fuhrmann set the pace with the first draw control for the Loggers, but an early clock violation turnover by Maggie Ott allowed Pacific to gain momentum towards the goal. The Loggers goalkeeper Phoebe Crowther made a stellar free-position attempt save to deny Pacific an early lead. The Pacific Boxers Devyn Davis fouled for a green card that allowed Puget Sound's offense to come alive as Chen scored man-up with an assist from Cat Schilli.
The Loggers continued to extend their lead with goals from Mimi Carrier-Berndt and Chen again, this time assisted by Kaitlin Wallace. A solid Logger defense kept Pacific at bay, while another goal from Carrier-Berndt with 2:40 remaining in the first period added to the advantage. Schilli's goal right before the end of the period secured a comfortable 5-0 lead.
Sophie Sheppard replaced Diane Crets as Pacific's goalie, but Puget Sound continued their dominance. Despite hitting the post and crossbar, the Loggers maintained pressure with shots from Schilli and Ott. A goal from Bailey Fuhrmann further solidified the Logger's lead. Pacific tried to counter, but Puget Sound's defense held strong. Adie Bruce and Schilli each added one more goal, while Pacific also managed a three-goal period.
Bianca Nolan took over in goalie for Puget Sound in the second half. The Boxers snagged the draw control in the third period, but a couple green cards and multiple turnovers from both teams pushed the scoring to the 10 minute mark. Pacific scored on their first shot of the period. Unrattled, Nolan made four more crucial saves in the period to guard off any more scoring from Pacific. Chen scored two more to extend the lead 10-4 going into the final period.
The final period saw Pacific rallying to close the gap. Sarah Quade's goal ignited their offense. Despite Puget Sound's efforts, Pacific's Hyland Cullen-Musengo capitalized on a free position shot, narrowing the margin.
Puget Sound faced challenges as Mimi Carrier-Berndt received a yellow card, leaving them shorthanded. Pacific took advantage, scoring with Zannah Suehiro and Cullen-Musengo, who found the net again despite hitting the post earlier.
Puget Sound continued to face penalty trouble with Fuhrmann and Rachel DeLance receiving green cards. Pacifc's Cyan Fellows added to their tally with a man-up goal, pushing Puget Sound's defense.
Despite the Logger's attempts, including shots from Cat Schilli, PAC's defense held firm. Puget Sound faced more penalties as the game wound down, ultimately ending with a final save by Bianca Nolan.
Despite the Pacific's late surge and seven different Boxers scoring, the Loggers early lead proved vital in the win.
The Puget Sound Loggers will be back at home, Wednesday, April 17, at 5 p.m., to face Lewis and Clark College in Baker Stadium.
