The Ashland University women's soccer team opened the 2017 campaign on a positive note, playing No. 11 Truman State to a 1-1 draw on Thursday (Aug. 31) evening at Ferguson Field.
The Eagles dominated play in the first half, holding an 8-1 edge in shots and maintaining possession in the offensive third for much of the play.
AU got on the board in the 31st minute as Hannah Simard came free on the right wing and sent a cross to the middle of the box where Korinna Lakes knocked it past Truman keeper Katie Mattingly.
The Eagles (0-0-1) continued to apply pressure for the remainder of the half, but were unable to add another goal.
The Bulldogs (0-0-1), who played in the NCAA Tournament last season, steadied themselves after halftime and quickly scored the equalizer in the 51st minute. Megan Oostendorp played a short pass to Kelsey Murphy, who drove a shot from 20 yards into the back of the net.
Both teams had chances in the second half, but the game remained scoreless into overtime. The overtime periods saw just three shots, including two for the Eagles, but the score remained knotted.
The Eagles, who also tied Truman by an identical score last season, held a 14-8 edge in shots overall. AU also maintained a 7-1 lead in corner kicks.
Next up for Ashland is a matchup with perennial regional power Quincy on Saturday (Sept. 2) at noon.
AU
WSOC/BB
