By Kristen Davis
Arizona Daily Wildcat
October 8, 1996
The soccer team is still in search of a Pacific 10 Conference victory.After shutting out three of their past six opponents, the Wildcats got a dose of their own medicine Sunday, losing 4-0 to Oregon State in Corvallis, Ore.
Sophomore midfielder Nikki Jones said Arizona (4-7-0 overall, 0-3 in the Pac-10) did not come out ready to battle the Beavers.
"We came out slow and we were not into the game," Jones said. "Oregon State came out strong and they were able to dominate the game."
The Beavers (4-7, 1-3) began lighting up the scoreboard four minutes into the game off a goal by sophomore midfielder Jona Maukonen.
The Wildcats limited the Beavers' offensive output for the remainder of the first half, but the Beavers turned up their intensity in the second half, scoring three goals.
"We played all right during the first half but it was clear that they wanted to win," said Jones, who was nominated for Pac-10 player of the week for her hat trick in Saturday's win over Gonzaga.
OSU freshman forward Shannon Witte netted a shot past sophomore goalkeeper Christa Conway off a deflected shot 18 minutes into the second half. The Beavers continued to dominate, scoring another four minutes later by senior defender Karey Dyson.
Oregon State's final goal came four minutes before the game ended. Defender Lindsay Allori converted the goal past Conway off a screen play.
Jones said that although the Wildcats' shot opportunities were limited, they were able to produce some good offensive schemes.
"We need to capitalize on our opportunities," Jones said. "We had chances but we were not able to finish."
Oregon State goalkeeper Michelle Mitchell made six saves in the shutout. Although Conway allowed four goals, she made seven saves. Jones said the team is pleased with Conway's play since she replaced senior goalkeeper Jen Weibel, who is out for the season with an injury to her left knee.
"Christa has been doing very well replacing Jen," Jones said. "She is doing exactly what we need her to do."
Jones said the team will focus on improving its individual defense in practice in preparation for its road trip to California this weekend.
"We really need a Pac-10 win," Jones said. "It's one thing to play tough and lose like we did to Stanford, but getting killed is another thing."