March 10, 2012
EUGENE, Ore. – Down by four goals early in the second half, the Old Dominion University women’s lacrosse team scored five unanswered goals to take a lead at Oregon, but a last minute goal by the Ducks proved to be the difference at Pape’ Field on Saturday afternoon, 10-9.
Despite outshooting Oregon in the first half, 16-11, the Lady Monarchs found themselves doubled up by the Ducks, 6-3. The two teams traded goals early in a tight game as senior midfielder Sarah Wright found the back of the net.
A 3-0 run by the Ducks saw Oregon take a 4-1 lead midway through the first half but ODU would chip away and close within a goal as sophomore midfielder Emily Austerberry and senior midfielder Rebecca Hartrum each scored.
The Ducks quickly responded to bump the lead up to two and then capitalized on a late free position attempt with under 30 seconds to play in the first half to go in with a 6-3 halftime lead.
In the second half, UO held the ball during a yellow card infraction and then raced the length of the field at full strength to score and move in front, 7-3. ODU then responded with five consecutive goals to take an 8-7 lead. Wright and Austerberry each netted their second goal of the game while junior midfielder Meredith Rogers added a goal and Hatrum’s second goal of the game gave the Lady Monarchs the lead.
Oregon broke the ODU streak tie the game at eight with six minutes to go in a back-and-forth affair. Senior midfielder Lisa Bernardini then gave the Lady Monarchs back the lead with five minutes to play. A quick strike by the Ducks then tied it back at nine apiece. With under a minute to go, Shannon Propst scored the game-winner to give Oregon the 10-9 win.
Wright, Austerberry and Hatrum each had two goals to lead ODU while Bernardini and Rogers also scored for the Lady Monarchs. In goal, freshman Karen Hayde, who came in midway through the first half, picked up seven saves in her first career decision.
Nikki Puszcz led the Ducks with three goals and an assist while Propst and Jess Drummond each added two goals for UO. Caroline Federighi picked up 10 saves in goal for Oregon.
ODU continues their road trip when they return to the east coast with a trip to Annapolis, Md., to face Navy on Wednesday at 3 p.m.