CORVALLIS, Ore. - Jennessa Groves scored her eighth goal of the season,
Megan Rucker pounced on an uncleared corner for her fourth and the Lions women's soccer team defeated Oregon State 2-0 on Wednesday night in Corvallis, Ore.
Groves got the Lions going in the eighth minute with her eighth goal of the season. Compared to the stunner she scored against Pepperdine on Saturday, this one was a breeze.
Helen Schaefer drove in a dangerous long ball from the right side that was just out of Groves' reach. The ball fell to
Kylie Dobbs who took two dribbles and fired a shot low and to the goalkeepers' right. She was unable to corral the shot that Groves pounced on easily for the tap in.
The Lions started the second half with a charge as well. Groves nearly netted the brace when the opening kickoff was pinged to her feet. The graduate forward took a swing and put her laces through a driving shot that was pushed away by the Beavers goalkeeper.
Rucker's goal came after one of Dobbs' patented long-range efforts. She held off the Oregon State defender and took a dipping shot that was palmed away for a corner.
Emma Gustad Myklebust took the ensuing corner and put it near the back post. Watkins had the first contact that was blocked before falling kindly to Rucker. Her positioning allowed her to poke the ball past the three Beavers on the goal line for the eventual game-winner.
The Beavers got one goal back but could not break down JJ Hoover and the Lions defense more than once.
LMU will be at Portland on Saturday to finish up the extended road slate for the 2024 season. The match will commence at 7:00 p.m. (PT) and will be streamed live on ESPN+.
