Oregon WLAX came back from a six point second half deficit to force overtime and stun Arizona State at Pape Field.
Oregon Lacrosse opened their season against a classic opponent in Arizona State at Pape Field. It was a game that had moments almost as stomach churning as an exorcism for Duck fans, but in the end the Sun Devils were banished in overtime 12-11.
ASU scored first in the opening minute. Junior Gabby Santucci pulled Oregon even at 1-1 with 12:00 left in the first quarter.
The Sun Devils proceeded to dominate the remainder of the opening period as the Ducks failed to maximize their shot opportunities or defend their own net. After ASU took a 6-1 lead 14:28 left in the second quarter Head Coach Jessica Drummond pulled transfer goalie Francesca Viteritti for sophomore Kate Shields. The game was scoreless for the next five minutes, then Anna Simmons and Jenae Sperling scored consecutive goals for Oregon to make it a game again at 6-3. ASU scored twice before halftime, but both goals were answered by the Ducks as Nya McElroy got on the board and Santucci scored her second goal with 1:23 left. The 8-5 Sun Devil lead held going into halftime.
The break seemed to allow Arizona State to find their opening period form once again. The Sun Devils scored three consecutive goals to take a commanding 11-5 lead with 6:15 left in the third quarter. But Oregon’s defense drew a line in the sand, and the visitors would not find the net again for the rest of the game.
A free position shot from Emma Ing and (career first) goal from Lexi Jenkins pulled the Ducks within 11-7 at the end of the third quarter. Santucci opened the fourth quarter with two consecutive goals within 40 seconds of game time (the second with an assist from Riley Taylor) to make it 11-9 with 14:03 left in regulation. Simmons collected a Santucci free position shot and scored her second goal to make it a 1-point game with 10:58 on the clock. The next few minutes were tense, as neither offense broke through. Then with 4:47 left Simmons made it a hat trick to tie the game.
Neither team could break the tie in regulation and the game went to a five minute overtime period. Shields made three saves in extra time (to make a total of 10 for the day), and with only 15 seconds on the clock Simmons scored her 4th goal of the game (tied with Santucci for the team lead) to complete a remarkable comeback.
It was an important win for a team that is looking to build on the progress they made last year to find wins in a very tough Big Ten Conference. The Ducks fly south to San Diego, CA to take on Fairleigh Dickinson Saturday February 14 , then their hosts the San Diego State Aztecs (former Pac-12 affiliate members for lacrosse) at noon Monday February 16.
Category: General Sports
