MESA, Ariz. – Oregon Tech dominated the stat sheet and possession throughout the season opener at Park-Gilbert, but the host Buccaneers made the most of their limited opportunities, striking for a pair of goals in a 2-0 victory at Legacy Sports Complex.
 
The Bucs (1-0) took three shots on the night – putting all three on frame – scoring goals in each half to spoil the debut of Owls head coach, Tom Moore.
 
Less than two minutes into the game, Hallie Benson played a corner kick into the 6-yard-box – with Alli Meisel finishing for the 1-0 lead.
 
The Lady Owls (0-1) had their chances – as Shalynai Naputi was stopped on a 2-v-1 chance in the 20th-minute, while in the 40th-minute, Brianna Lewis took a 20-yard shot with keeper Catherine Corlett out of position, but the try missed just right.
 
Tech continued the pressure early in the second half, as Naputi had a pair of chances inside the area – but Corlett was there to make the save.
 
Park-Gilbert got a huge break in the 59th minute, as Sarai Mizzell made a long pass against the run of play – finding an unmarked Emma Alvarez – who drove a 25-yard ball off the hands of charging OIT keeper Sydni Nakamura that trickled into the goal.
 
OIT had four chances in the final 30 minutes – but Corlett proved up to the task. The sophomore made seven saves to complete a clean sheet.
 
The Lady Owls held a 14-3 edge in total shots – including six from Naputi and two each from Lewis and Miranda Valle.
 
Tech will scrimmage Mesa Community College on Sunday, before closing the trip Monday at Arizona Christian.