A nearly 30-second power outage took place during the National Anthem before the opening faceoff at Papé Field. Although the power returned and the game began on time, there was a moment — nearly a half or so — where it looked like the Ducks nationally ranked foe wouldn’t start up either.

But when they did, boy did USC (10-3, 4-0 Pac-12) wake up. 12 of the last 13 goals went the way of the No. 21 Trojans. The Women of Troy’s defense proved to be stifling down the stretch, the combination of which led to a commanding 19-8 victory over Oregon (7-4, 1-3 Pac-12).

The outage did little to dampen Oregon’s spirits early. The Ducks won the contests opening two draws and scored on both of their opening possessions with Emma Ing and Madisyn Sweeney the early contributors. 

It wasn’t until four and a half minutes into the game that USC had possession at all, the Trojans made quick work of their win off the draw and set up quickly in the Oregon zone. Claudia Shevitz set up Shelby Tilton who fired a shot past goaltender Thayer Hubbard.

Neither goalie was particularly sharp early, Oregon extended its lead to two once again, but Ing’s second goal was met by a pair of USC scores. The opening period closed with both teams knotted at three after combining for just one save on seven shots on goal. 

Oregon played a remarkably clean first quarter by limiting turnovers and clearing its zone effectively. The rest of the game that followed would resemble anything but. 

Ing’s three goals were one of the few highlights of the otherwise forgettable game. The junior’s hat-trick was good for a new career high. 

“Emma was great,” head coach Jessica Drummond said. “She had a great first half, she played so well in practice, so no surprise there for Emma.” 

A significant contrast from games prior, Oregon played a relatively clean first half, being penalized just six times. The downside of the less aggressive style came in the form of USC going a perfect 7-7 on clear attempts. USC was kept at bay early as both teams traded goals. 

“We played a little bit more reserved this game,” Drummond said. “We played a little more sunken.”

Hubbard got the start for the Ducks and had one of her rougher outings of the season. She allowed Ella Heaney (five goals) to score on a long-distance attempt giving USC its first lead of the game. Hubbard finished the contest saving four of 20 shots. 

Shields, Kait Devir and Mia Fleming traded playing time for the Trojans. The trio fared decently well, combining to save four shots on the day. 

Although the Ducks continued to pepper Shields with shots, their offensive surge would become a moot point while USC began to hit its stride. The Trojans scored the final three tallies of the half and went into the half leading 10-7, with all of the momentum. 

“We are still right in it,” Drummond said of her message to the team at the break.

Drummond’s message proved not to be enough, USC continued to dominate pace of play and scored seven of eight third-quarter tallies. Most shots fired from the Trojans came off the bounce, a technique the Sophomore goaltender has continued to struggle with. 

“Their offense did such a good job screening our goalies,” head coach Jessica Drummond said. “They cycled so much, our biggest defensive takeaway is to make contact earlier.”

It also didn’t help that Oregon scored just once in the second half of action.

Cassidy Eckert relieved Hubbard halfway through the third, she didn’t fare much better as Oregon’s offensive woes began to mount. The Ducks finished with 16 turnovers and caused just one in the afternoon. USC had woken up while Oregon had no answers. 

“The biggest takeaway is that it’s going to be a game of runs,” Drummond said. “We expect teams to score goals, how we respond and get a run on our end is key for us going forward.”

The final three quarters of play did little to replicate Oregon’s strong start, USC scored two in the final quarter of action keeping the final score well out of reach. 

Five different Trojans scored three or more goals, while Ing was the only Duck with multiple tallies. 

“We are SC” rained down from the well-traveling contingent of Trojans fans who saw their team emerge victorious. 

The energy in Oregon’s post-game huddle carried a different sentiment.

“This game is done and over,” Drummond said. “On to the next.” 

Oregon will head on the road taking on lowly San Diego State (1-11, 0-3 Pac-12) at 1 p.m. next Saturday.