As the northwest rain poured down, a single shot lit up Papé Field as Oregon’s Alex Matsuoka launched her free possession shot past the keeper. Her second goal of the year kept the hopes of a comeback alive. 

This wouldn’t be enough, however, as Oregon (5-4, 0-2 Big Ten) would lose at home 10-6. Dominant first and third periods for Rutgers (6-3, 1-0 Big Ten) were enough to carry it to a win.

The Scarlet Knights got out to a big lead early as four different players put one past Oregon goalkeeper Paige Crowther within the first 10 minutes of the game. Oregon was able to get a few back as Lyla Hurley and Bri Carrasquillo would each end the game with two goals. 

Both teams entered Sunday’s game hungry as they were both coming off losses. Oregon fell 20-6 to Ohio State in its conference opener on Wednesday and was looking to get back on the right track. Gabby Santucci was the ray of light in Wednesday’s game for the Ducks, as she was able to launch four past the keeper, however, she didn’t play on Sunday’s matchup due to injury. Rutgers was coming off a tough loss to No. 12 Princeton as it dropped its game 20-8. 

The rainy weather troubled Oregon on Sunday, but the bright spot in the clouds for them was Crowther, as she was able to recover in the game, ultimately ending with five saves, three of which came in the fourth period. 

“Having a scoreless fourth quarter is freaking awesome,” Coach Jessica Drummond said when asked about Crowther’s performance. “Having those saves in those last moments, giving those opportunities for us in that fourth quarter to kind of chip away when the elements are against us we gotta find a way to battle.”

The Ducks will play host to Penn State on Sunday, Mar 23 as they look to get back into the win column.