UO loses heartbreaker to USC Hockey is banded a devastating loss at the Pac-8 Championships By Brett Williams lor the Emerald Damn those Trojans. Just when it seemed like Ore gon had victory in its grasp with a 1-0 lead in the game’s waning minutes against Southern Cali fornia, the Trojans rallied with a late goal and a 3-2 shootout mar gin to defeat the Ducks at the Pa cific-8 Conference Champi onships in Berkeley, Calif., on Friday. The loss was especially devas tating for seniors Jordan Weiner, J.T. Mackey and Ben Williams, who have been unable to defeat USC in their four-year tenures with the Oregon Club Sports hockey team. The Ducks struck first against the Trojans, courtesy of Tyler Shaffar’s goal midway through the first period. USC was unable to score on Oregon goalie Josh Hardin until six minutes re mained in the game, when the Trojans scored on a power play to tie the game, 1-1. “That was definitely the biggest play of the game,” Shaffar said. “Defending power plays has been a problem all season.” Intensity was high during the shootout, as Oregon forwards Pe ter Harris and Jordan Weiner matched USC, 2-2, going into the final frame. Af ter an Ore gon miss, the Tro jans’ shot went through Hardin’s legs, and when he fell back the puck was knocked into the goal for the USC victory. It didn’t seem fitting that Hardin, who denied 17 shots from the high-powered Trojan of fense, yielded the final goal. “Josh has been a huge positive all season,” Shaffar said. “He re ally picked up his game, and hopefully we can start where he left off next season.” Oregon refused to let down in the third place game against host California, a team that the Ducks held 1-0-1 record against this sea son. Brendan Malia scored in the first period to give the Ducks the lead they would never relin quish. Mackey and Chris Geib added goals in the third period in a game that Oregon dominated on the offensive end with 46 shots on goal. “Once we scored that second goal, it was over," Shaffar said. "While the Ducks have a long off season to prepare for its run next year, key players that are graduat ing will be difficult to replace. “The seniors did a hell of a job this season. Jordy was our leader, and it is really tough to see them go. We need upperclassman to pick it up next year.” SO MANY GAMES. SO LITTLE TIME ~i ( www. oregon/j>e. com/sports '...■...:... Don't miss a second of the action. Just click on Oregon Live's Sports section to get round-the-clock sports news, live updates from the games, and the non-stop interaction of forums and live chats. Oregon Live’ Discover the state you're in. DUCKS NEWS & FORUM CONCERTS & MOVIES JOBS LIVE CHATS in alliance with £|)C (Oie^OUUm Ducks needing boost before facing Huskies By Mirjam Swanson loi Ihe Emerald A strong performance today against Cal Poly San Luis Obis po in Portland would send the Oregon men's tennis team into Saturday's home match with No. 18 Washington on a two match winning streak. But most importantly, it would give the Ducks a much needed boost of confidence. However, Oregon isn’t think ing about Washington just yet. Rather, it’s preparing for a Cal Poly SLO team that should be as feisty as ever. "They’re a good, competi tive, California team,” Oregon head coach Chris Russell said. "They tend to have a lot of depth, and they fight hard. They get pretty fired up, and they’ll try to influence the match with their energy. ” Last year, Oregon didn't have any problems with Cal Poly SLO’s enthusiasm, as the Ducks picked up an easy victory. Oregon (2-6 overall, 0-2 in the Pacific-10 Conference) could see similar re sults today if it sticks to its game plan, Russell said. “If we do «-*»0 UllllgJ VO L/UG11 on, then we should have a good day,” Russell said. “I think we can control the match if each guy does the things he needs to do and if we focus.” Oregon is coming off an im pressive 6-1 win against Idaho last weekend, so Russell hopes his team will play with added confidence today. 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