TACOMA, Wash. – The Eastern Oregon University women's lacrosse team dropped a hard-fought 12–10 decision to Pacific Lutheran University on Thursday evening at East Field.
Despite the loss, the Mountaineers showed resilience throughout, winning the first, third, and fourth quarters. Eastern Oregon jumped out strong in the opening frame, taking a 4–3 lead behind a dominant stretch from Jade McCoy. McCoy found the net three times in the first quarter, while Gemma Gonzales added a goal off a McCoy assist to help EOU set the tone early.
Pacific Lutheran responded with a big second quarter, outscoring the Mountaineers 4–0 to take a 7–4 advantage into halftime. Turnovers proved costly for Eastern Oregon, as PLU capitalized on extra possessions. The Mountaineers finished with 32 turnovers compared to 22 by the Lutes, while PLU also held the edge in ground balls, 40–25, and caused turnovers, 18–12.
Eastern Oregon battled back in the third quarter, winning the frame 3–2. Gonzales sparked the run with two goals, including a man-up score, and Alexa O'Callaghan found the back of the net off another assist from McCoy to cut the deficit to 9–7 heading into the final period.
The Mountaineers continued their push in the fourth, again outscoring PLU 3–2. Gonzales opened the quarter with a player-up goal assisted by O'Callaghan, and McCoy added two late goals to bring the final margin to 12–10. McCoy finished with five goals and three assists for eight total points, while Gonzales added four goals.
In goal, Maddie Wicks delivered a strong performance, recording 13 saves while facing 38 shots. Wicks kept Eastern Oregon within striking distance throughout the contest, particularly during a heavy second-quarter surge by the Lutes. Eastern Oregon finished with 20 shots to PLU's 38 but held a slight edge in draw controls, 12–11. The Mountaineers also converted two free-position opportunities.
Eastern Oregon will look to build off the momentum from its three winning quarters as it prepares for its next matchup on Saturday, Feb. 28, against University of Puget Sound. Opening draw is set for 1 p.m.
