By Max Ragel
After losing their first game of the season at Rutgers the Ducks came into this game against Merrimack looking to spark some energy, and that they did. Anna Simmons opened the first three minutes of the game with a hat trick, you read that right, three goals in the first three minutes. After going scoreless against Rutgers Simmons put up a team high six goals in their win over Merrimack. “Cudios to the offense!” Said Simmons in her post-game interview.
Following Simmons' hot start the team kept the momentum rolling. Four more goals would follow in the first quarter. Morgan McCarthy netted two while Lauren Rismani and Katie Collins each scored once. Stellar defense in the first quarter set the tone for the rest of the game. Only allowing three shots from Merrimack in the first frame. At the end of one Oregon held a commanding 7-0 lead with all the energy in their favor.
The second quarter saw Merrimack get on the board with a goal from freshman midfielder Katie Roche. One that would not bring the Warriors any closer as Anna Simmons put in goal number four and Lauren Rismani added one. Oregon’s defense helped them keep momentum in the second quarter forcing six Merrimack turnovers along with two saves from goalkeeper Thayer Hubbard. At the end of the first half the Ducks lead 9-1.
The third quarter saw some fireworks with a combined six goals scored. Anna Simmons capped off her show with two goals that brought her final total to six. Madysyn Sweeney and Morgan McCarthy added a pair while Merrimack’s Georgia Parker would score their third and final goal. Oregon’s defense stayed stout out of the break holding Merrimack to just four shots while forcing seven turnovers. Head coach Jessica Drummond began to clear the bench towards the end of the third up 13-3.
In the fourth and final quarter Duck fans got to see play from the talent off the bench. Jenae Sperling, Jadyn Laing, and Kristiana Strtak each scored a goal while starting attacker Taylor Riley put in two. Senior goalkeeper Cassidy Eckert came in to replace Thayer Hubbard and saved the only shot she saw from Merrimack. When the final buzzer sounded Oregon led 18-3. Picking up win number five and moving to (5-1) on the year. Their next test is Sunday, March 10th where they will face (1-4) Furman University at Papè field.
Audio Story by Max Ragel.
https://soundcloud.com/kwva/wlax-v-merrimack-audio-story?si=895698097708493c894bffd54753a776&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing