The Oregon women’s lacrosse team lost to No. 18 ranked Penn State, 19-9, in a conference game on April 9. The match took place on the road at University Park, Pennsylvania.
This game is notable as one of Oregon’s most competitive performances in conference play this season. Despite scoring nine goals for the second consecutive game, the Ducks (6-8, 0-6 Big Ten) were unable to keep pace with Penn State’s offense. The Nittany Lions (11-3, 3-2 Big Ten) gradually increased their lead after the first quarter and secured a ten-goal victory.
Lexi Jenkins stood out for Oregon by recording her first career hat trick. Anna Simmons and Emma Ing each scored two goals. Hailey Russell contributed defensively with three caused turnovers and two ground balls.
“I’m proud of the way we showed up tonight,” head coach Jessica Drummond said. “We are so close to breaking through and getting that win. I like the way we’re trending, but we have to continue to play a complete 60 minutes, not just a good quarter.”
Jenkins gave Oregon an early lead less than a minute into the first quarter before Penn State responded with three quick goals. Emma Ing and Jenkins added more scores by the end of the period as Oregon trailed by two points.
Penn State went on a six-goal run before Lilly Fortin scored for Oregon off an assist from Lyla Hurley. Francesca Viteritti replaced starting goalkeeper Kate Shields during this stretch and made six saves in forty minutes of play.
Anna Simmons added back-to-back goals bridging halftime while Avery Young found her thirteenth goal of the season in the third quarter for Oregon. However, Penn State forced a running clock after building their lead further.
Ing scored again late in the game with help from Fortin’s fourteenth assist this season before Jenkins completed her hat trick—her tenth goal overall this year—as Oregon matched its best offensive output against conference opponents but could not secure victory.
The Ducks will travel next to Rutgers for another away game before returning home to Eugene for their final regular-season contest against USC.
