Ashland University forward Deijah Swihart saw the field for the first time since Nov. 1, 2016 and scored her first goal since that date as the Eagles tied Lewis, 1-1, in the season opener on Thursday (Aug. 30) evening in Romeoville, Ill.
Swihart, who missed all of last season with an injury, stepped to the penalty spot in the 58th minute and scored the equalizer in a game the Eagles (0-0-1) out-shot the Flyers (0-0-1), 15-8.
Lewis scored the opener in the 37th minute as Kailey Parnello slipped through the AU defense and slotted in the goal.
The Eagles had a 6-3 edge in shots in the first half. Ashland continued to press in the second half and finally had the breakthrough when a foul in the box led to Swihart's tally.
Neither team took a shot in the first overtime period and AU held a 5-0 edge in the second overtime, but the Eagles were not able to get the winner.
This was the third straight season the Eagles tied their season opener.
Sophomore Hannah Lee got the start in goal for Ashland and made three saves. Freshman Makenzie Kelly and sophomore Abby Grzetic led the Eagles with three shots each.
Ashland will open its home season on Saturday (Sept. 1) at 1 p.m. against Tiffin at Ferguson Field.
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