FOREST GROVE, Ore. – Eastern Oregon Women's Soccer opened the 2026 season with an unconventional 1-0 victory over the Pacific University Boxers on Wednesday afternoon.
The Mountaineers took the lead just 12 minutes into the match when
Taylor Bair fired a shot toward goal from the left side. A Pacific defender attempted to intervene, but the ball was deflected into the net for an own goal, giving EOU an early 1-0 advantage.
The Mountaineers continued to control the match through the remainder of the opening half, adding two more shots late in the period. EOU's defense held firm on the other end of the field, completely shutting down the Boxers and not allowing a single shot before halftime.
Eastern came out of the break with an aggressive offensive attack, recording four consecutive shots from
Jocelyn Baker,
Peyton Jacaway,
Sienna Holbrook, and Samantha Sjersvold. The Mountaineers continued to pressure Pacific while the defense limited the Boxers' opportunities in front of goal.
Nearly midway through the second half, EOU added three consecutive attempts from
Gracie Rainsberry,
Joslyn Sizemore, and
Samantha Jones. The Mountaineers continued to push offensively, recording five additional shots throughout the remainder of the half, but were unable to find the back of the net again.
With the lone goal of the match coming off a Pacific deflection, Eastern's defense made sure it was enough. The Mountaineers allowed just one shot from the Boxers throughout the 90 minutes to secure the 1-0 shutout victory and open the season with a win.
Eastern Oregon finished the match with a commanding 15-1 advantage in shots, while Pacific's goalkeeper recorded seven saves. The physical contest saw EOU draw seven fouls and commit 11.
The Mountaineers return to action Thursday, August 27, traveling to face Saint Martin's University at 1 p.m. PT.
