Orange and black were nowhere to be seen on Wednesday night. 

Instead the stands at Paul Lorenz field were adorned with pink as the Beavers took the pitch at home for the sixth time this season. 

In a partnership with Willamette Valley Cancer Institute and Research Center, Oregon State Women’s Soccer used the game to raise awareness for cancer research and spotlighting survivors’ stories. The ‘Dam Cancer’ event has been adopted through a variety of Oregon State sports as a way to promote survivors of cancer, particularly breast cancer. 

Oregon State fell to the Washington State Cougars 1-0 in front of the rowdy pink-emblazoned crowd in a tight match-up. 

The Beavers started the game with a shot on goal off the kick-off, an attempt that gave them the first corner kick of the match. Washington State instantly went on the attack as well, gaining a corner kick for themselves one minute after the Beavers. 

These first two minutes foreshadowed the rest of the game; the ball bouncing from one side to the other with each team trading chances. 

Washington State recorded seven shots going into halftime with Oregon State right behind with six. Neither team capitalized on their opportunities, going into the break with zeros on the board. 

Washington State came out of the half with purpose, keeping the ball on Oregon State’s defensive third. A yellow card given to Beaver senior Megin Turi for unsporting conduct only emphasized the Cougars’ attack. 

In the 59th minute, Oregon State defender Alyssa White took down a Washington State attacker in the box. Center referee Will Niccolls’ call on the field was no foul, prompting a challenge from the Cougar bench. The subsequent VAR review resulted in a penalty kick which junior Alena Watts missed over the bar. 

The missed penalty shifted the energy substantially in Oregon State’s favor. 

A minute later, Nathalie Lewis received a through ball for a good chance at net, and right after Lewis raced through three defenders for a chance in the 62nd minute before being taken down by a hard defensive play in the box.

Oregon State Head Coach Caroline Kelly used her one challenge on the call, but the decision on the field stood for a Beaver corner kick. 

Two other chances for the Beavers in the 73rd and 77th minute had the stands on their feet. It seemed only a matter of time before the ball hit the back of the Washington State net. 

However, a foul on the top of the Oregon State box allowed Keira Mitchell to strike gold in the 83rd minute. 

Several other chances were recorded, but Washington State eventually walked away with the win, going 3-2-2 in conference play. The Cougs jump from 7th in the league rankings to 5th, while the Beavers stay at the bottom of the table with a 1-6-0 record in conference.

The Beavers will celebrate their seniors while searching for their second win in conference against Pacific at noon on Oct. 25.