LA GRANDE, Ore. – In a back-and-forth contest that featured two lightning delays and a pair of late goals, the Eastern Oregon women's soccer team battled to a 2-2 draw with NCAA Division III opponent Whitman College on Sunday afternoon at Community Stadium. The result keeps the Mountaineers unbeaten at 3-0-1 on the season, while Whitman moves to 1-1-1.
EOU struck first in the 20th minute when defender Joslyn Sizemore ripped a shot from outside the box for her second goal of the year, giving the Mounties an early 1-0 advantage. Whitman responded just before halftime with a goal by Emoree Lash, assisted by Emma Foley, to knot the score at 1-1.
The first of two lightning delays occurred during the halftime break, pausing play for nearly two hours before the teams returned to the field. Shortly after the restart, the Blues grabbed a 2-1 lead in the 50th minute as Gracia Larson found the back of the net on a setup from Alex McKean.
Eastern Oregon controlled the second half but couldn't break through until the final moments. After a second lightning delay hit with 23 minutes remaining, the Mountaineers returned to the pitch with renewed energy. In the 89th minute, Ashley Smith delivered the equalizer to the back post—her second goal of the season—off a well-placed assist from Tess Sando.
EOU dominated statistically, outshooting Whitman 22-8 and earning a 10-3 advantage in corner kicks. Smith and Sando each tallied two shots on goal, while forward Jillian Brown added three shots overall.
Rylee Schei made two saves for Eastern Oregon in 90 minutes of action, while Whitman's duo of Eleanor Johnson and Seanee Still combined for nine saves on the day.
Eastern Oregon will look to its last pair of non-conference matchups against NCAA DII opponents Western Oregon University and Central Washington University in Monmouth, Oregon, on Thursday, Sept. 11, and Saturday, Sept. 13.
