Oregon women’s lacrosse (3-0) has already proven two things through its first three games: it can rally late and it can protect a lead. The Ducks showcased the latter on the road, turning a back-and-forth lead battle into a 12-10 victory over San Diego State (1-2).

Oregon struck first early in the opening quarter when junior attacker Avery Young converted a free-position attempt. Young added another less than a minute later off an assist from senior midfielders Anna Simmons, pushing the Ducks up 2-0.

But SDSU was just getting warmed up. In just under four minutes, the Aztecs went on a 3-goal run with the help of five Oregon fouls. 

The second quarter started slow with eight fouls and seven turnovers from both teams. San Diego State scored first but midfielder Anna Simmons, Oregon’s leading scorer heading into the game, was quick to respond with a spin move and a fling shot. After an SDSU green card created a man-up chance, Emma Ing found the back of the net to keep Oregon within reach.

The Aztecs pushed ahead 6-4 following another free-position conversion, but Simmons buried a free-position shot of her own with under three minutes remaining in the half, sending the Ducks into the half trailing 6-5.

Despite early penalties, including a yellow card against junior attacker Gabby Santucci and a green card on Simmons forcing Oregon to defend shorthanded, sophomore goalkeeper Kate Shields saved two shots preventing San Diego State from extending its lead.

Ing then took control offensively, tying the game at six with just under half to go off an assist by Santucci. When the Aztecs scored again, she responded by tying the game another time. The Aztecs converted a free-position attempt to pull ahead 8-7, but Ing completed her hat trick moments later to even the score at eight.

Sophomore midfielder Liv Kozitza gave the Ducks their first lead since the opening quarter with just over a minute remaining, and Ing added another goal in the final minute to cap a five-goal third period and give Oregon a 10-8 advantage entering the fourth.

San Diego State refused to go away. A goal midway through the fourth quarter trimmed the deficit to one, and the Aztecs continued to apply pressure while Oregon dealt with additional fouls and another yellow card. Shields came up with multiple critical saves, including a stop on a free-position shot, to preserve the narrow lead.

In the fourth, the energy slowed and the Aztecs connected to close the game 10-9. But Ing extended the advantage with her sixth goal of the game to make it 11-9. But the Aztecs answered yet again to cut it to 11-10 with under seven minutes to play.

In the closing minutes, a turnover halted an SDSU possession, and the Ducks cleared successfully before working the clock. Sophomore attacker Lilly Fortin provided the cushion goal with just over two minutes remaining, finishing off a feed from Simmons to seal the 12-10 road win.

The Ducks Ing led all scorers with six goals, anchoring a second-half surge that defined the contest. Simmons added multiple goals and an assist, while Young contributed two early scores. Oregon overcame frequent fouls, several free-position situations and second-half penalty trouble to remain unbeaten through three games.

The Ducks will head home for an seven game stretch first of facing California on Thursday.