CORVALLIS – The Oregon State women’s soccer team out-shot Kansas 15-14, but the Beavers suffered a 2-0 defeat Sunday afternoon at Paul Lorenz Field.

“Obviously we are disappointed with the result, but honestly I though our group played really well,” said Oregon State head coach Linus Rhode. “This was a hard-fought contest. We had some good opportunities, and I thought the game could easily have gone the other way. We played two tournament-caliber teams this weekend, and I think overall we acquitted ourselves really well. If we keep playing this way, the ball will start to go into the back of the net.”

Senior Natalie Higgins led the Beavers with three shots in the contest. Freshman Shea O’Connor placed both of her attempts on frame.

Oregon State created a handful of chances early on, including a pair of shots from close range in quick succession from Emmy Rodriguez and Allison Pantuso.

Senior goalkeeper Bella Geist came up with a pair of early saves, including an important reaction stop in the 17^th minute. Higgins followed that up with a shot from 20 yards out in the 27^th minute, but her effort sailed high.

Kansas drew first blood in the 39^th minute, when they headed home a corner kick from six yards out. The Jayhawks took the one-goal edge into the break.

The Beavers pressed forward in the second half searching for an equalizer. Oregon State got a chance to level the score on a penalty kick in the 65^th minute, but the shot was saved. Kansas doubled the advantage five minutes later, hitting the target from 20 yards out.

O’Connor came close to cutting into the lead in the 73^rd minute, stinging a shot from 22 yards out that forced a finger-tip save. Kayla Latham followed that up by firing a shot off the crossbar in the 79^th minute. Jones forced another Kansas save just minutes later, but the Beavers could not find the net as the Jayhawks took the victory.

Geist finished the match with five saves.

Oregon State hits the road Sunday, when it heads to the Bay Area for a matchup with San Francisco.

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