The Oregon lacrosse team lost to Rutgers, 21-7, in its final road game of the season on Apr. 12 at SHI Stadium. The Ducks scored back-to-back goals midway through the second quarter to get within two points, but Rutgers responded with a run of 14 consecutive goals to secure the win.
This result leaves Oregon with a record of 6-9 overall and 0-7 in Big Ten Conference play. The team will return home for its last regular season game against USC on Saturday at Papé Field.
Rutgers started strong by taking a quick lead, but Oregon’s Lyla Hurley assisted Emma Ing for an early goal. Gabby Santucci added another score late in the first period, narrowing the gap. Goalkeeper Francesca Viteritti made four saves in the opening period, including three during a fast-paced sequence just before Oregon’s first goal.
In the second quarter, after Rutgers extended its lead with three straight goals, Avery Young and Hurley responded with two quick scores for Oregon within just 17 seconds. Anna Simmons contributed by winning a draw control that led directly to one of those goals. However, Rutgers then went on an extended scoring run before halftime and continued it into the third and fourth quarters.
Oregon ended that streak when Simmons caused a turnover and found Young for another goal. Hurley scored again soon after with help from Lily Fortin, followed by Lexi Jenkins’ first goal of the match. Despite these efforts, Rutgers maintained control until the end.
Viteritti finished with a career-high 11 saves while facing 44 shots. Young has now scored in five consecutive games and had multiple goals five times this season; Hurley also notched multiple goals for her fifth time this year; Simmons recorded multiple assists for her third time this season and matched her season high with four ground balls; Liv Kozitza set a personal best by causing three turnovers along with collecting four ground balls.
Oregon will next face USC at home on Senior Day at Papé Field.
