KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. – Eastern Oregon University Women's Soccer closed the weekend on a high note, defeating Oregon Tech 1-0 Saturday afternoon. A first-half goal off a corner kick and a strong defensive effort propelled the Mountaineers to the road victory.
Oregon Tech applied early pressure, earning a corner kick just minutes into the contest and creating two scoring opportunities, but neither attempt found the net. Eastern Oregon gradually settled into the match, with
Peyton Jacaway and
Gracie Rainsberry each testing the Owls' defense with early shots. The Mountaineers broke through on their second corner kick of the afternoon. Rainsberry delivered the ball into the box, where
Kardyn Martinez redirected a header toward the post. Jacaway collected the rebound and finished into the net to give EOU a 1-0 lead in the 29th minute. After taking the lead, Eastern Oregon continued to create chances, with
Ashley Smith forcing a save from Oregon Tech goalkeeper Ellie Hillar.
Samantha Groesbeck also came up with a key stop in the closing moments of the first half to preserve the Mountaineers' advantage heading into the break.
The Mountaineers continued to pressure the Owls' defense after halftime.
Kenzie Snell,
Ava Henkemeyer and
Jocelyn Baker each tested Hillar, while several other EOU players threatened with attempts that sailed off target.
Samantha Gjersvold nearly extended the Mountaineers' lead in the 78th minute, striking the crossbar. Both teams generated opportunities in the closing minutes, but neither could find the back of the net. Eastern Oregon's defense held firm, completing the shutout and securing the 1-0 road win.
Eastern Oregon finished with a 13-9 advantage in shots, including a 5-1 edge in shots on target, and an 8-2 advantage in corner kicks. Groesbeck recorded one save in the shutout, while Hillar finished with four saves for Oregon Tech.
With the win, the Mountaineers improve to 9-5-1 overall and 5-4 in Cascade Collegiate Conference play as they enter the final two weeks of the regular season. EOU will remain on the road next weekend, traveling to Montana to face Providence on Oct. 24 at 1 p.m. MT.
