SPRINGFIELD, Ore. – The Bushnell University women's soccer team fell short of a comeback on Friday afternoon as the Beacons fell 3-2 to visiting Evergreen State College in a Cascade Collegiate Conference match at the Les Schwab Sports Park.
 
Evergreen State (1-8-1, 1-5 CCC) held an early 2-0 lead before the Beacons (3-8, 1-5) made their way back into the match. Celia Scruton got the Geoducks on the scoreboard at the four-minute mark after scoring on a free kick taken near the right sideline.
 
The Geoducks doubled their advantage 10 minutes later when Sunny Bieber found Madison Spenker down the left sideline. Spenker won the one-on-one with Beacons' goalkeeper Anabel Mendez.
 
Sydney Petersen sent a well-placed shot into the top left corner of the net for the Beacons to narrow the deficit to one entering the break. It was the first collegiate goal for the freshman.
 
Karla Cardinal tied the contest at 2-2 for the Beacons with a deep shot outside the box in the 54^th minute of play, but Evergreen State quickly responded with a score just four minutes later to earn its first victory of the season. The Geoducks secured the win with a 58^th-minute match-winner from Brieanna Dell. Dell sent her shot into an open net thanks to an assist from Cayla Muenchow.   
 
The Beacons outshot the Geoducks 19-16 on the match, but Evergreen State held a 10-7 advantage in shots on goal. Bushnell was led by Emily Puita's five shots. Amanda Whetten was active down the sidelines, attempting four shots of her own, two on goal.
 
Bushnell Head Coach Benny Flores spoke on how much progress the team has made this season. "The women's program has come a long way," said Flores. "Last year we were happy to keep games close and now we are disappointed when we don't win. I am very proud of these ladies. One of their strongest qualities is that they will never quit."
 
Bushnell will look to bounce back against Northwest University tomorrow at 3 p.m.