EUGENE, Ore. – Junior Brooke Strawn scored a goal with seven seconds remaining in the first half, but Wisconsin rallied with two goals in the final half to defeat the Ducks 2-1 Friday evening in the Oregon Nike Tournament. The Badgers (3-0-0) remain unbeaten on the season despite being out-shot by Oregon, 13-12, at Papé Field.

Strawn, a sophomore forward from Roseburg, Ore., scored her second goal of the season just before the break as the Ducks went into half with a 1-0 advantage. The Badgers, who are receiving votes in the NSCAA Continental Tire Poll, scored in the 55th and 74th minutes to rally past Oregon.

“It was an interesting game all-around,” said head coach Kat Mertz. “I don’t think we brought the energy level. I challenged the girls about bringing the same intensity level as last weekend, and we didn’t have that today. Give Wisconsin credit, they’re a good team.”

A back and forth first half saw multiple opportunities fall to both sides. Junior goalkeeper Abby Steele kept the Badgers off the score sheet in the first half, making four saves and putting a halt to all Badger advances.

The Ducks scored the game’s first goal for the second time this season, this time coming in the dying moments of the half. Defender Achijah Berry made a great run down the right touch line and drew a foul. Junior Kiyomi Cook’s free kick from the right flank found sophomore ShayLee Miner on the far post, who redirected the ball to Strawn.

Strawn beat Wisconsin goalkeeper Genevieve Richard from five yards out, while Cook and Miner were credited with assists.

Wisconsin equalized in the 55th minute with another header. Sophomore Kinley McNicoll sent a lofted through ball into the box, and senior Alev Kelter found net on a headed goal.

Oregon responded well after allowing the Wisconsin goal, putting pressure on the Badgers’ backline and Richard. But, it was Wisconsin who would find net next in what would be the game-winning goal. Junior Cara Wells scored her fourth goal in three games, blasting a shot to the top of the net past a sprawling Steele in the 74th minute.

The Ducks finished with a 13-12 advantage on shots, while Wisconsin led in shots on goal (7-5) and corner kicks (5-4). Sophomore Maryn Beutler led Oregon with four shots, while Kristen Parr, Kira Wagoner and Strawn each had two. Steele finished with six saves for the Ducks.

Oregon returns to action Sunday, hosting Texas in the final game of the Oregon Nike Tournament. The game starts at 12:00 p.m. (PT) from Papé Field, and will be televised live by the Pac-12 Network.

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