NEWBERG, Ore. - George Fox broke open a match that was close at the half with two early scores after the break and moved on to a 4-1 win over Pacific in women's soccer on Wednesday evening (Sept. 16).

The match was Northwest Conference opener for both squads. The Bruins improved to 3-1-1 on the season while the Boxers dropped to 0-5.

"George Fox was the more determined team today and it showed on the scoreboard," said Boxer head coach Morgan Joseph. "We need to pick ourselves up and be mentally focused and prepared for the next challenge."

Hannah Harder scored first under the lights at the Austin Sports Complex in the 18th minute to give the hosts the lead, but the match was fairly evenly played in the first 45 minutes. Both teams had eight shots in the first half, with five of Pacific's attempts on goal compared to three for GFU.

But the Bruins opened things up soon after intermission with goals from Savannah Moisan in the 50th minute and by Becca Allen at 61:36. Allen added another score in the 89th minute off a pass from Emma Weme, her second assist of the night.

The Boxers got on the scoreboard with just 45 seconds left in the match when freshman Emily Thompson found the back of the net. It was the first collegiate goal for the newcomer from Anaheim Hills, Calif. 

It was a busy night in the goal for Boxer goalies Kailey Hifumi and Kililani Kunitomo. Hifumi started and gave up two goals but had five saves. Kunitomo came in the 59th minute and had two goals against and six saves.

Pacific had 18 shots on the night, 10 on goal, while George Fox finished with 17 shots (11 on goal).

"Lucy (Almao) and Nicki (Leeming) had great performances today in the midfield," Joseph added. "Emily showed composure and class with her first goal."

Next up for the Boxers is a pair of matches in eastern Washington this coming weekend. Pacific will take on Whitman on Saturday and Whitworth on Sunday. Both matches start at noon.