PORTLAND, Ore. --- Portland's Taryn Ries claimed a hat trick and Jamie Rita scored the game-winner in the 86th minute as the Pilots recovered from an early deficit to stun the Oregon State Beavers and win their season-opener 4-3 at Merlo Field on Wednesday afternoon. It's the third career hat trick for Ries and the first since her sophomore campaign in 2018.
 
After the Beavers scored twice in the game's first 14 minutes, Ries pulled one back when the Pilots were awarded a penalty. Ries was taken down in the box to earn the free attempt, and she'd slot it in to make it a 2-1 game in the 29th minute.
 
Oregon State then pushed their lead to 3-1 when Sydney Studer found the back of the net, but Ries again made it a one-goal in the 38th minute. Freshman Sophia Mattice earned her first career assist on the goal when she played a perfectly weighted ball over the top. Ries took a touch inside the area before burying a shot inside the left post.
 
After the break, the Pilots dominated possession in the second half as they tried to produce the equalizer, and it came in the 70th minute when Ries capped her hat trick. Emily Collier had possession right of the 18-yard box and played a ball back to Elliott Winkelmann, who then sent a brilliant ball just inside the area. Ries elevated and hammered a header past the keeper, leveling the score 3-3.
 
Then in the 86th minute, it  was Rita who put the Pilots on top. Gabi Brummett hit a ball out wide to MJ Roe, and Roe whipped in a cross towards the far post. Rita was there to provide the finish, and the Pilots had a thrilling win over their in-state rival.
 
It's the second career goal and game-winner for Rita.
 
Portland (1-0-0) was also solid defensively after the half, holding the Beavers (1-1-0) to just three shots during the second 45 minutes.
 
The next game on Portland's schedule isn't until Feb. 20, when they open play in the West Coast Conference by hosting Loyola Marymount at Merlo Field. Kick-off is set for 1 p.m.