The Oregon lacrosse team recorded its best offensive performance of conference play but lost to Johns Hopkins 21-9, according to an April 4 announcement. Junior attacker Gabby Santucci led the Ducks with four goals in the game.
This match marks another defeat for Oregon against a top-10 opponent, bringing their season record to 6-7 overall and 0-5 in Big Ten play. Despite the loss, several players contributed offensively and defensively, indicating progress within the team.
Head coach Jess Drummond said, “Our goal these last few weeks has been to take more shots, capitalize on scoring opportunities, and we did that today. Gabby [Santucci] was so productive which gave us a ton of momentum. We scored 9 times on 18 shots which was awesome. I know we keep coming up short, but we’re really trending in the right direction and I’m proud of the effort and relentless energy the team brings to the field each game.”
During the game, Johns Hopkins took an early lead before Lilly Fortin responded with her first score for Oregon. Santucci also scored in the opening period but Oregon trailed by four at quarter’s end. The Duck defense limited Johns Hopkins to three goals in the second quarter as Francesca Viteritti returned as starting goalkeeper and made seven saves in the first half—matching her season high with eight total saves on 36 shots faced.
Santucci secured her fourth hat trick of this season early in the third quarter while Fortin and Lyla Hurley added back-to-back scores later in that period. Additional contributions came from Avery Young and Anna Simmons; Simmons forced a turnover off a draw control before scoring late in regulation.
Looking ahead, Oregon will travel for its final regular-season road games against Penn State and Rutgers beginning Thursday, April 9.
