LA GRANDE, Ore. – The Eastern Oregon University women's lacrosse team took the field at Community Stadium for the final time in program history, closing out the last home game—and the final lacrosse game ever played at the venue—against Whitworth. With the program scheduled to be discontinued following the 2026 season, the afternoon carried added emotion as the Mountaineers competed one last time in front of their home supporters in La Grande.
Prior to the game, Eastern Oregon honored its 2026 senior class of
Natanya Reed,
Jade McCoy, and
Alexa O'Callaghan for their contributions to the program.
Whitworth controlled much of the contest and ultimately came away with the win, using an early scoring surge to build momentum. Eastern Oregon kept pace in the first period, matching the Pirates with five goals while outshooting Whitworth 11–9. The Mountaineers also finished just one behind in both shots on goal and ground balls during the opening frame while going a perfect 2-for-2 on clears and free-position attempts.
The Pirates pulled ahead in the second period and maintained their advantage throughout the remainder of the game, limiting Eastern Oregon's offensive opportunities and controlling possession for extended stretches on the way to a 21–7 victory.
Despite the result, the Mountaineers saw several strong individual performances on the offensive end.
Jade McCoy led Eastern Oregon with four goals, going 2-for-3 on free-position shots while placing five shots on goal. Gemma Gonzalez added two goals and controlled six draws, providing key possessions as Eastern Oregon worked to break through Whitworth's defense.
Grace Winebarger scored the Mountaineers' final goal of the afternoon and also collected two draw controls.
Eastern Oregon battled throughout the contest, with defensive efforts helping to slow Whitworth at times. The Mountaineers forced 19 turnovers and collected key ground balls to create transition opportunities, while the draw unit worked to generate extra possessions.
Although the scoreboard favored the Pirates, the game marked a meaningful moment for the Mountaineer program. Players, coaches, and fans gathered for one final lacrosse contest at Community Stadium, celebrating the effort and dedication of the student-athletes who helped build the program during its brief history.
Eastern Oregon will now turn its focus to the remainder of the season on the road as the Mountaineers continue their final campaign. The team will travel to Florida for a multi-game week, beginning with a matchup against New College of Florida on March 23 at 4 p.m. ET.
