NEWBERG, Ore.  Whitman traded goals with Northwest Conference leader George Fox University through the early minutes of Sunday's women's lacrosse game, but the host Bruins embarked on a lengthy run of unanswered goals before finishing off an 18-4 victory over the Blues at the rainy Austin Sports Complex.

Lindsay Schwartz pulled Whitman (5-5, 4-2 NWC) even at one goal apiece early in the second minute, only to have Fox (10-2, 7-0) break back in front with a goal from Jess Hanson a minute later.

An equalizing goal by Hannah Miller followed, but Fox's Jocelyn Welberg responded with a pair of goals that initiated a 10-0 run over the remainder of the opening half, allowing the Bruins to carry a 12-2 lead into recess.

Miller and then Ali Pope scored the first two markers of the second half, cutting into the deficit and giving Whitman life.

Those would be the final tallies for the Blues, however, as Fox clamped down to hold Whitman scoreless the rest of the way.

The Blues worked hard for loose balls during the loss, falling just two ground balls short of equaling the Bruins' 24 for the contest.

George Fox was able to carve out a 16-7 edge in draw controls and a 33-11 advantage in total shots to help offset Whitman's challenges.

Olivia Engle came up with four ground balls and four caused turnovers to spearhead the Blues' defensive efforts.

Goalkeeper Kate Whittingham finished with eight saves while also scooping up a team-best five ground balls.

Whitman closes out its season Saturday and Sunday at home with a pair of league contests. Pacific (Ore.) University visits the Whitman Athletic Fields Saturday at 1 p.m. and University of Puget Sound arrives for the season finale Sunday at 1 p.m.