MCMINNVILLE, Ore. – Vera Panescu-Reich recorded a brace and the 19th-ranked Pacific Lutheran University women's soccer team scored four second-half goals Saturday to defeat Linfield 4-1 in Northwest Conference action.

"Linfield played well," said PLU Head Coach Seth Spidahl.  "Steve had them in a difficult shape to break down in the first half.  Credit to them. It was a tough first half.  I'm very proud of the character our players showed.  We gave up a really weird second goal, but it happened and I was really proud of how the team responded to that because it was 1-1 at the time.  They stepped up and scored three goals and really showed a high level of character."

Panescu-Reich scored in the 53^rd and the 79^th to help keep the Lutes (7-0-0 overall, 3-0-0 NWC) undefeated on the season.

After Linfield tied the game at 1-1 in the 56^th – just the second goal Pacific Lutheran has allowed this season – Lily Dose scored the game-winner in the 66^th, slotting the ball into the bottom left of the goal.

Alyssa Jordan added a goal in the 76^th on an assist from Julia Causbie.

Eva Wirth made two saves in goal, as the Lutes outshot the Wildcats 18-6 including 12-3 on goal.

"I'm super proud of the team," said Spidahl.  "It was our biggest win at Linfield ever.  It's a tough place to play.  We have to keep our heads about us and we have another tough game tomorrow against Lewis & Clark.  They've won their last three games so we know they will be a tough opponent.  

Pacific Lutheran plays at 12 p.m. Sunday at Lewis & Clark College in Portland.