REDDING, Calif. – A pair of first half goals paved the way for Oregon Tech, as the Lady Owls earned a 2-1 neutral site victory over Park-Gilbert at the Simpson Soccer Field.
The victory for OIT (3-1-1) avenged a 2-0 loss to the Buccaneers last season, as the Owls held a 17-6 edge in total shots – including 10 on frame.
Tech peppered the frame in the opening 25 minutes – including a Miranda Valle strike in the 21st minute that banged off the cross bar. Five minutes later, a foul on a breakaway attempt gave the Owls a chance from the penalty spot, with Kiana Jacobson converting from 12 yards out for the 1-0 lead.
Just before the break, OIT added to the margin, as Sydney Soskis played a short cross to the left side of the box and Caitlyn Price turned and ripped a 15-yard dart into the left corner of the net.
Park (1-2) got a lucky bounce in the 59th minute, as a Mikenzie Kulish shot glanced off the cross bar, with Ashlynn Jones chipping the rebound through traffic into the left corner of the net.
OIT never gave the Bucs a chance at an equalizer, holding the Arizona school without a shot attempt over the final 31 minutes.
The Owls close out non-conference play on Saturday, traveling back to Redding for a date against Simpson University.