Crowther Shines as Ducks Fall to Michigan

Sunday, April 6

Eugene, OR

12:00 p.m.

University of Oregon

5-8, 0-6

Michigan

9-4, 3-2

Michigan

OREGON

Photo by: Eric Evans/GoDucks.com

04/06/25 | Women's Lacrosse

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EUGENE, Ore. – Paige Crowther matched her career high with 17 saves, a mark she set just last week, as the Ducks pushed No. 16 Michigan for the full 60 minutes at Papé Field before falling, 14-9.

The senior goalkeeper put together her best-ever showing on her home turf, fittingly on her senior day. The Duck defense forced the Wolverines (9-4, 2-3) into uncomfortable shots that Crowther was able to knock down.

"It really is the defense," Crowther said. "I'm just able to make those saves and have their backs because they have mine."

The Ducks (5-8, 0-6 Big Ten) fell behind at the half, 9-4, but found their footing in the second half as the two sides each scored five goals. Crowther and the Oregon defense blanked the Wolverines in the fourth quarter.

"I think it is amazing to see somebody who can step up when it's such an important game," head coach Jessica Drummond said. "To be near flawless was amazing. We couldn't ask for a better showing out of Paige today."

Anna Simmons led the Ducks offensively with four goals, her most in conference play this season. Bri Carrasquillo added a pair of goals, her fifth game in a row finding the back of the net multiple times. Oregon scored on nine of its 14 shots on goal, but were ultimately outshot by Michigan, 45-26.

How It Happened: Michigan was able to put shots on goal early but could not find a way past Crowther, who stopped the first three shots sent on goal. The Wolverines were able to sneak their fourth and fifth shots past her, but they were immediately answered by goals from Bri Carrasquillo and Anna Simmons to force a 2-2 tie. Michigan would end the frame with two unanswered goals, however, and the Ducks trailed by two after 15 minutes.

After two goals by the visitors to start the second quarter, Carrasquillo snapped the run with her team-leading 33rd goal of the season, splitting a pair of UM defenders after wrapping behind the goal. Lyla Hurley answered another Michigan goal one of her own, extending her consecutive games with a point streak to 11. The Wolverines were able to score twice before the horn sounded and carried a 9-4 lead into the locker room.

The Ducks allowed three goals early in the third before Hurley net her second of the day to cap the 5-0 run. Michigan answered quickly, but Simmons caught fire to rally the Ducks. The junior twice to answer a pair of Michigan goals, making it a 14-7 game after three quarters, and opened the fourth with her fourth of the day.

Rachel Pallo made it three straight games with a goal, sending her free position shot into the top of the net to cut the lead to five. UO would get no closer as defenses prevailed in the final seven minutes, with neither side being able to find a goal.

The Ducks capped their senior day by recognizing their eight seniors – Abbey Gicewicz, Bri Carrasquillo, Madysyn Sweeney, Kristiana Strtak, Riley Taylor, Paige Crowther, Cassidy Eckert and Alex Matsuoka – with an on-field ceremony after the final whistle.

Quotable: Jessica Drummond on this year's senior class - "My biggest message was that they got to spearhead our first year in the Big Ten. Our leadership has been outstanding. That fight from start to finish, being the grittier team on that field, they really set the precedent of what it is to be Oregon lacrosse going into the Big Ten. I'm just so proud of them for their leadership and leaving that legacy moving forward."

Paige Crowther on her senior celebration - "It means everything. Alex [Matsuoka] and I are the only ones who have been here for four full years now. We're the final ones in our class that are left out here. It has been a lot and we've had so, so much fun. We take a lot of pride in representing the O, being an Oregon duck. Once a Duck, always a Duck. It's something that will never leave us."

Notable: Crowther boasts the eighth-best save percentage in program history (.401) … Pallo has scored six goals in the last three games after scoring once in the first ten outings this year … The junior added four draw controls today, bringing her season total up to 79, the second most in program history in a single season … Simmons (31) joins Carrasquillo (33) as the lone Ducks to score 30-plus goals so far this season … Carrasquillo's second goal marked her 100th collegiate point ... During her 11-game point streak, Hurley has tallied 13 goals and eight assists.

Up Next: The Ducks will kick off a three-game road trip, starting with a nonconference contest Eastern Michigan on April 11.