Written by Olivia Arciniega
Coming off a 16-10 win against George Mason, the Oregon Ducks (3-2) host the California Golden Bears (2-5) on their home turf today for their first conference of the season. The Ducks are coming into tomorrow’s game with a winning record, standing at 3-2 on the season. California comes into the game with only one conference game, a 8-20 loss to Stanford. The Ducks have managed to stay on the winning side in blowouts. They look to continue this trend today, coming into this game winning the past 4 of 5 matchups between these two teams.
Oregon
The season has started off well for the Ducks. Both losses on the season for the Ducks have been close; just a 2 point loss to Niagara and a 6 point loss to Navy. Oregon’s multi talented offense has been the key to the success of the Ducks so far. Currently, Oregon is averaging 30 shots per game, being one of two teams in the Pac-12 to do so. Even in their losses, there has only been one of the five games where the offense couldn’t put up more than 10 points. Midfielder Morgan McCarthy is leading the way with 16 points on the season already and is currently shooting 80% on goal. She also dominates in draw controls, with 16 throughout the last 5 games. Coming back with an All-Pac-12 Second Team award on her shoulder, the Ducks continue to expect these stats from her in the upcoming games. She’s supported by Sophomore Attacker Lauren Rismani who leads the team with 11 assists, as well as two other Sophomore Attackers Gabby Cleveland and Hayley Taylor.
Anchoring the defense is Junior goalie Cassidy Eckert, who plays a large part in the defensive success so farl. Eckert has a phenomenal game against George Mason, with 10 saves throughout the first three quarters. She has racked up 29 saves this season, and currently has a GAA of 10.15, standing at 2nd in the Pac-12. Eckert’s success in the net is going to be vital for a win today and in the future. Defensive captain Logan Gierke leads the team with 9 ground balls, followed closely by senior Lexie Likins with 8. They’re had a strong showing so far, and will look to continue this streak against the Golden Bears.
California
The Golden Bears haven’t had the start that they were hoping for this season. The team has brought in a new head coach, Jennifer Wong from Temple University, in hopes to turn things around from the previous 2-16 season. However, they are currently ranked last in the Pac-12 conference, but to their credit, have played some tough competition (#27 Stanford and Cornell). Coming off an extremely close 11-10 loss to American University, the Bears are ready for a win. The Ducks will have to look out for Senior Midfielder Maya Lawliss, who has racked up 15 goals this season, only going scoreless against Stanford. Sophomore midfielder Mya Wang is also a viable threat, tying Lawliss with 17 points this season, and leading the team with 8 assists. The goalies for the Bears have been interchangeable, but nonetheless a solid defensive threat. Sophomore goalkeeper Alicia Souliotis has had an impressive season, with a .463 save percentage. Her most notable game includes San Diego State, with 7 GA and 13 saves, but has struggled against other teams such as Cornell, with 13 GA and 12 saves. She shares her time in the cage with Senior Riley Drullinger, who played a solid game against Central Michigan (9 GA and 7 saves), but was credited with the loss against American University by allowing 2 goals in the last 6 minutes.
Prediction
The Oregon Ducks add another blowout to their season, with a 16-8 win. The struggling Bears defense, especially in goal, will be no match for McCarthy and her offense.