Trinity Western鈥檚 Rachel Hutchinson opened the scoring in the 25th minute, but two second-half goals from Oregon State proved to be the difference in TWU鈥檚 preseason opener Friday.

In a game south of the border, at the Lorenz Field in Corvallis, Oregon, the NCAA Division I Beavers edged the Spartans 2-1.

The Spartans, who are the defending Canada West silver medalists, put up a 鈥渧aliant effort,鈥� equalling OSU鈥檚 four shots on target, but a 74th-minute own goal was 鈥渦ltimately TWU鈥檚 undoing,鈥� said coach Graham Roxburgh.

The Beavers Kaillen Fried equalized in the 53rd minute.

Cloverdale鈥檚 Hutchinson鈥檚 goal came off a free kick, floating her offering up and over OSU keeper Bella Geist.

鈥淭hey were better than we were, but not by much,鈥� Roxburgh said.

鈥淏ut the heart my team showed, after just five days of training camp, was superb. I鈥檓 really pleased,鈥� he added.

鈥淥ur team battled and showed toughness against a very strong and athletic team. I thought Seina (Kashima, Burnaby) was dangerous and took her player on regularly. Rachel was excellent in her movement. Our midfield hung in their and the likes of Brooklyn (Tidder, White Rock), Kat Chin (Calgary) and Amy Gartke (Edmonton) were awesome.鈥�

OSU finished the night with a 16-7 edge in shots and a 3-1 advantage in corner kicks.

鈥淚 was impressed with Oregon State,鈥� Roxburgh said. 鈥淭hey had three or four very dangerous players. They were organized and made us work really hard.鈥�

TWU goalie Christina Oliverio (Calgary) stopped two of the four shots she faced.

TWU is back in action on Thursday, Aug. 24, when the Spartans host Western Washington (NCAA Div. II), who are the defending national champions and opened the year ranked No. 1 nationally by the United Soccer Coaches Division II preseason poll.

Game time is set for 7 p.m. at TWU鈥檚 Chase Office field.

The Spartans open their Canada West regular season Sept. 8 and 9 at home, when they host UBC and Victoria.