LA GRANDE, Ore. – In a battle of two Top-20 NAIA women's soccer teams, it was No. 10 Eastern Oregon University who came out on top as the Mountaineers defeated 19th-ranked Rocky Mountain College (Mon.t) 2-1 inside Community Stadium to open up conference play with a win. With the victory, EOU improves to 3-0 overall and 1-0 in CCC East Division play.
 
How it Happened
• The Mountaineers were aggressive in the game in terms of shots taken with a 16-2 advantage over the Battlin' Bears (0-1, 0-1 CCC). Rocky Mountain's two shots came in the first period only as they were held to without a shot in the second period thanks to a stifling defense by EOU.
• Technically speaking, the Battlin' Bears never actually scored on the Mountaineers in Sunday's contest. The lone goal for Rocky Mountain College was from an own goal by Eastern Oregon. Nonetheless, the goal itself helped keep EOU from posting the shutout.
• The first period was built around how well both defenses played as the two squads combined for just six shots in the 45 minutes of play. EOU had the edge at 4-2 with two shots coming on goal. The Battlin' Bears grabbed the lead at 1-0 in the sixth minute.
• The own goal from EOU allowed Rocky Mountain College to stay in front for the majority of the first frame, but it was a late goal in the final minutes of the period that allowed EOU to take a 1-1 tie into the break.
• The goal for EOU late in the first came on the put back shot from Mackinley Gregus. She crashed the middle of the penalty area and was there for the shot after Kana Mateaki's shot hit off the crossbar and Gregus was there for the easy goal in the 39th minute.
• The score remained tied at 1-1 going into halftime. Coming out of the break, the Mountaineers completely shutdown the Battlin' Bears and on offense put up a barrage of shots with one find the back of the net for the 2-1 win. EOU outshot Rocky Mountain 12-0 with eight shots coming on goal.
• The Mountaineers had opportunities to score but the final goal did not come until the 82nd minute. Erika Skindlov got toward the middle of the field from 35 yards out and found Gregus in stride on the right. Gregus split two defenders and took the shot. It was initially blocked but Gregus was patient and hit the put back for her second goal of the game and sealed a 2-1 victory.
 
Mountaineers Stat Leaders
• Mackinley Gregus finished with two shots for the game and had both come on goal, along with the two goals. Her second was the gamewinner.
• Kana Mateaki led the way in shots with three overall and had the one assist on the first EOU goal.
• Erika Skindlov also had an assist on the second goal. She finished with two shots, both of which were on goal.
• Yahaira Chavarria-Mondragon also took a pair of shots with both coming on goal.
• Kiara Fontanilla picked up the win in net to improve to 3-0 and tallied one save in the game.
 
For the Battlin' Bears
• The two shots for Rocky Mountain were both by Halle Labert with one coming on goal.
• In Net, Maia Wetzel played all 90 minutes and tallied eight saves in the loss.
 
By the Numbers
5 – The Mountaineers current run of shutouts inside Community Stadium ends at five. The run dated back to the 2019 season.
5 – With the win on Sunday, EOU has now won its last matchups against Rocky Mountain.
2 – Head Coach Jacob Plocher is just two wins away from 50 in his EOU career as the bench boss.
16 – The Mountaineers 16 shots on Sunday is now the most they've taken in a game this season.
 
Up Next
• Eastern Oregon and Rocky Mountain College will close out the two-game series tomorrow (Monday) inside Community Stadium. Game time is set for 11 a.m. PT.

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