The Longhorns’ spring break trip took them all the way to Oregon this year to face highly ranked out-of-conference opponents. Seven teams from around the country met at the University of Oregon campus in Eugene for games lasting throughout the week.

Texas matched up against the #6 ranked Oregon Ducks in its first game of the break. The Horns played well against the Ducks in the first half outscoring them by one goal. However, when the second half came, Oregon set into high gear. With many more shot attempts, Oregon outscored the Horns in the third quarter. With a large deficit to start the final quarter of the game, Texas began its attempt at a comeback. Though easily winning the fourth quarter, the Horns were unable to win the game as they fell short in an 11-15 loss to the Ducks.

After a disappointing loss the night before, Texas moved to face an unranked Nevada team on Sunday. With a less than perfect first half, Texas found itself equal with Nevada at halftime. The third quarter brought the Longhorns a slight advantage as they moved ahead of their opponent by one goal. In the fourth quarter, the activation of a partial second team boosted the Horns to a clear cut victory for the quarter and the game. The final score was 16-6.

Following a day off, the Longhorns met against Oregon State on Tuesday, March 14. Again, Texas began with a slow start in the first half. Fortunately, Texas led by two at halftime with a score of 5-3. In the second half, Oregon State fought back against the Horns to acquire the lead. Still down late in the fourth quarter, Texas tried hard to overcome the point disadvantage. In the end, the Longhorns suffered their third loss of the season at a final score of 9-10.

To finish off their week in Oregon, the Longhorns competed against #17 ranked Chico State on Wednesday night. With a new spirit initiated by a humbling loss to Oregon State, the Horns came out ready to prove themselves again. An added incentive brought by last season’s near shutout loss against Chico State fueled the Horns early in the game. The score was close throughout the first half with both teams playing well. Though the Horns were down by one at halftime, they held their heads high knowing they still had the game in their hands. In the second half, Texas dominated on both sides of the field. Sophomore defenseman Ernst Leiss had numerous takeaway checks, obtaining ground balls and clearing with remarkable efficiency. Senior goalie Garrett Cox was seemingly flawless as he grabbed nearly every shot taken against him and found midfielders breaking up field with precision passing. In the end, the Horns celebrated a satisfying 9-4 win against Chico State and a good end to their trip in Oregon.

Texas returned home on Thursday ending their long streak of out-of-conference games. The streak held a record of 4-3 in favor of the Horns and took them to a 9-3 overall record. The Longhorns now prepare to finish off their season with four tough in-conference games. Texas will compete at home against Baylor this Saturday, March 25.

by William Kenneth Forrest