Yotes Down Owls
KLAMATH FALLS, Ore (October 3, 2009)- Oregon Tech entered the weekend with a chance to challenge for the Cascade Collegiate Conference women’s soccer title. Now, the Hustlin’ Owls will have to focus on making the playoffs. “It’s super disappointing,” senior captain Katie O’Brien said Saturday after OIT dropped a 2-0 decision to The College of Idaho, one of three teams that had started the day tied for the league lead. “We fought hard, but at times were a little disorganized,” O’Brien said. “It’s not anyone person’s fault. It just takes second time for us to lose our intensity, and that when (opponents) score.” That happened once in each half Saturday as the Coyotes upped their league record to 4-0 in the league, and 9-1 overall. OIT, on the other hand, fell to 1-2 in league action, and 8-3 for the season.
Erika Mouritsen scored off a crossing pass from Brittany Hulin to give CofI late in the first half. Then, just after OIT had almost tied the score, Mandy Greif scored for the Coyotes with about nine minutes left to play. “Losing two games over the weekend is tough,” O’Brien said. “(Friday) we dominated (Eastern Oregon) and a penalty kick got us. It was physical,” she said. “We knew going into the weekend it would be hard, but we played well and showed that we can play.” OIT had chances Saturday, but were unable to put the ball in the net for the second straight match. The host team had just three shots on goal, while CofI put seven of its 14 shots on goal.
Now, if the Hustlin’ Owls hope to extend their season, it will take winning on the road, starting with a match at Northwest University Friday. OIT is at The Evergreen State next Saturday. “We have to show up and win,” O’Brien said. “It takes confidence and being mentally tough. We’ve had some injuries, and even without realizing it, you hesitate a bit.”
O’Brien is one of the Owls playing hurt.