MESA, Ariz. – Oregon Tech peppered the net with 39 shot attempts, including 13 on frame, but needed a pair of goals within the final 15 minutes of the match to open the 2026 with a 2-0 victory over Benedictine Mesa at Santos Park.
It marked the most shot attempts by the Lady Owls (1-0) since 2013, however, the game remained scoreless until Ramera Bradley scored on a long breakaway in the 77th minute.
"It was good to get a game under our belt," said head coach Tom Moore, who moved into sole possession of third-place on the OIT all-time wins list. "There are plenty of things for us to work on and some really good things that we were able to apply in the game. We got a ton of players time tonight and the plan is to continue to build and grow with each game.
Shelby Geiger played a long ball from the defensive third over the top of the Redhawks (0-1) defense, with Bradley running onto the pass, streaking 30 yards and slotting home the game-winner.
Tech had two chances to extend the lead, as Ryane Mattox lined a shot that was cleared off the goal line and Bradley hit a crossbar. However, the Owls capitalized on Bradley being taken down in the box and Makahl Chambers buried the penalty kick to double the edge.
Keeper Elle Hillar needed to make just one save for the clean sheet, as Tech finished the day with a 39-3 edge in shots.
"It was great to see Ramera start her OIT career with a goal and she was dangerous the entire game," Moore said. "Makahl converting the PK was a really good result for the time she put in during the preseason. Elle did a great job staying composed and engaged when called on. She kept the shutout intact with a big save late. We have a big test on Sunday and will have to bring the energy and focus we had tonight."
That test is No. 4-ranked Embry Riddle in Prescott this Sunday night.