TACOMA, Wash. – The Pacific Lutheran women's soccer team won its seventh consecutive game Sunday, defeating Whitworth 2-1 in Northwest Conference action at East Field.
The victory keeps the Lutes three points clear of second place in the race for the conference championship with two games to play.
It also marked the last time eight seniors wore black and gold in their careers at East Field.
"I'm really proud of the team today," PLU coach Seth Spidahl said. "Senior day, there is a lot that goes into it with a lot of emotion.
"We had a tough week playing a huge rival on Wednesday and then to come back and play two good, tough teams at home and with senior day … there is a lot in there."
Whitworth (5-8-4 overall, 5-6-3 NWC) opened the scoring in the seventh minute when Taliya Miyama hit a high-looping pass that Baylee Trejo one-timed in past a diving Shaylin Cesar.
The Lutes (15-1-2, 11-1-1) responded almost immediately, however, as Julia Causbie took a pass from Ellie Reardon, posted up a defender, turned and fired the ball into the lower right corner of the net for her ninth goal on the season.
Causbie nearly had a second goal early in the second half, but Whitworth goalie Kate Nelson looked to stop an initial shot near the edge of the 18-yard box. Causbie was able to regain possession and round the goalie, but her ensuing shot was blocked off the line by a defender.
Causbie's eight-minute goal appeared it might be the final of the game as neither team had much to show after long spells of possession.
Instead, junior Lily Dose – known more for her passing ability than her scoring – had a moment of singular brilliance, driving through space and hammering home the game-winner in the 79th minute.
"I saw a lot of space and when I took it, I found it was easier to take on players and before I knew it, there I was taking a shot," Dose said. "Honestly, I take more pride in getting a really good assist, but it feels damn good to score."
The Lutes defense then held on to give them a nine-point week.
"This feels amazing," Dose said. "I think we can build on this momentum and use it next weekend. I think this says that we are a really strong team this year with very good attacking, very good defense and really good fitness."
Cesar made four saves in goal to earn the victory in her final home game.
The Lutes close out the regular season Saturday and Sunday at George Fox and Lewis & Clark, respectively. Both games begin at 11 a.m.
