By Tayten Torgrimson

On February 25^th, Oregon finished their three-game home streak by defeating the Marist Red Foxes 16-9. Oregon struggled for a bit in the first quarter with Marist’s physicality but was able to score six goals before the end of the quarter. The Ducks started slow overall, but played excellent defense, allowing just four goals before the halftime break. After an electric buzzer-beating goal by Anna Simmons, Oregon led at half 9-4. A repeat of last week by midfielder Rachel Pallo as she broke her record of 11 draw controls by having 12 draw controls today.

Oregon put together a disciplined first half defensively, coach Jess Drummond said, “for me to see that we had less fouls than the opposing team, that’s some great composure.” After the half, both teams came out strong, Oregon and Marist traded goals till Katie Collins scored her first goal of the season to make it 11-6 and Anna Simmons scored her seventh goal of the season to make it 12-6.  

In the fourth, Oregon had to fend off a reeling Marist squad, the Red Foxes got the gap all the way down to four goals, but a three-goal stretch by Anna Simmons, Haley Cummins, and Riley Taylor pulled Oregon past the finish line.

Oregon defended Papé well in non-conference, outscoring their opponents 52 to 24. Now, the Ducks must travel across the country to New Jersey to face the Rider Broncs on March 1^st, then the Rutgers Scarlet Knights on March 3^rd. This two-game road stretch is the only storm Oregon will have to take on during the non-conference play as they return to Papé Field on March 6^th against the Merrimack Warriors.