REDLANDS, Calif. — Occidental faced a challenging series of matches at the Och Tamale Invite, suffering defeats in all four encounters to Division I and II opponents.

Game 1 - Oxy vs. CSU Fullerton

In their first match, Occidental fell to Cal State Fullerton 24-5. Despite a strong start that saw them score twice in the first quarter, the Tigers could not keep pace with Fullerton's offensive momentum. Cal State Fullerton established early control with goals from Delaney Latham and Lotte Boxsem, leading 2-0. 

Lucy Worden's response brought the Tigers within one, but Fullerton surged ahead with seven consecutive goals, finishing the first quarter at 9-2. The second quarter saw Fullerton extend their lead to 13-3, despite Emma Wilderman scoring twice in the fourth quarter. Fullerton outshot Occidental 35-30, capitalizing on five power-play opportunities. Wilderman led the Tigers with two goals, while Rachel Khavinson contributed with two assists.

Game 2 - Oxy vs. Fresno Pacific

In their second match, Occidental (0-2) faced Fresno Pacific (2-5), losing 15-5. The Sunbirds dominated the first quarter with six goals, setting the tone for the game. Emma Cook and Dakota Lambert were key players for Fresno Pacific, scoring multiple goals. 

Emma Merrill got the Tigers on the board with an assist from Rachel Khavinson, but they headed into halftime down 7-1. Despite efforts from Wilderman, who scored in the third quarter, Fresno Pacific maintained control, finishing the match with a 15-5 victory. Merrill led the Tigers with two goals, while Charlee Spence recorded three saves in goal.

Game 3 - Oxy vs. CSUN

Occidental (0-3) continued their struggles against CSUN (6-1), falling 22-7 in their third game. CSUN's Ella Furuholmen started the scoring, propelling them to a 5-0 lead by the end of the first quarter. 

Occidental managed a brief rally, with Victoria Duncan converting a penalty shot, but CSUN's efficiency kept them ahead. Lucy Worden led the Tigers with two goals and an assist, while Mia Colabianchi contributed significantly with one goal and two assists. 

Game 4 - Oxy vs. CSU Monterey Bay

In their final match of the invite, Occidental was defeated by Cal State Monterey Bay, ending with a score of 21-6. The match began with Cal State Monterey Bay establishing an 8-2 lead by the end of the first quarter. 

Despite scoring on a power play and attempts to close the gap, the Tigers could not recover, finishing with a score of 21-6. Estella Gray was a standout for Occidental, scoring two goals and adding an assist, while Lucy Worden also scored twice. In goal, Mia Bananis made a notable contribution with 10 saves. Read Full Article