ASHLAND, Ore. - For just the third time this season, the Northwest Christian University women's soccer team was held off the scoreboard on Saturday, falling 2-0 to Southern Oregon University.
 
Head Coach Jessica Cardwell said, "We fought hard against today but a couple of lapses caught us. We weren't able to possess the ball as much as we would have wanted and that made it difficult to attack.
 
Despite being outshot just 16-15, NCU was never able to find the back of the net, getting five shots-on-goal. The 2-0 score could have been a lot worse than it was, however, as the Raiders managed 11 shots-on-goal with NCU keeper Mackenzie Galick picking up a career-high nine saves.
 
SOU uncorked the game winner just 14 minutes into the game when a deflected ball found Megan McArthur in the midfield. McArthur dribbled into the front third and put away the marker.
 
In the 54th minute the home team struck again, as Makena Totushek cashed in from ten-yards out after beating a defender.
 
After the match, Cardwell credited numerous players with helping keep things close in a game that saw SOU take 11 shots-on-goal. "Our defensive unit of Sierra Graton, Amanda Hadsell, Annie Tunstill and Britnee Joaquin played really well today and dealt with some great Raider forwards. Bryce Branagan-Franco and Nikki Bevans (pictured) played incredible in the midfield and Selina Chacon and Maggie McCausland pressured really hard up top."
 
The Beacons will look to rebound next Saturday as they head to Salem for what is expected to be a wet and muddy afternoon on the notoriously treacherous field at Corban University. Kickoff is scheduled for 12 pm.