JACKSON, Miss. – McMurry University Women's Soccer played its most evenly-matched contest of the season in Jackson, Miss. on Saturday, battling to a 2-2 draw with Belhaven University to open American Southwest Conference play.
Both teams now own 5-2-1 overall records. The War Hawks start conference play 0-0-1 and remain undefeated in their last five games, while Belhaven moves to 0-1-1 in the ASC.
Both sides were balanced with nearly identical stats, but the War Hawks would strike first with a goal in the 25th minute. Senior Meriah Sikora bent a free kick near the back post, finding fellow senior Hallie Rutherford for the finish.
Rutherford is now tied for the team lead in goals with Emily Holland with her fourth of the season.
The lead would hold through halftime, but both teams knew one goal would not be enough. Belhaven evened the tilt immediately in the second half, stealing momentum in the 47th minute with a penalty kick.
The game remained tied 1-1 until Belhaven took its first lead in the 72nd minute on a goal from Lauren Samford. But McMurry had an immediate answer about one minute later, as Sikora connected with Ashland Hansen on a set piece to level the score again.
The 2-2 draw would carry over past regulation, as McMurry and Belhaven each played their first overtime games of the season. The Blazers had a 4-2 shot advantage in the first segment, but neither team found the net.
Both teams had one shot opportunity in the second half, but missed the mark. McMurry also had a corner kick opportunity, but just missed out on the golden goal.
Though allowing a pair of goals in the second half, McMurry was the aggressor with eight second half shots. McM led the game with a 15-14 shot advantage, while Belhaven had a 9-8 advantage in shots on target. McMurry also took three corners, while Belhaven took two.
Rutherford and senior Bri Caudle accounted for four shots each and two on target, while Sikora added a pair of shots with one on frame. Defensively, Priscella Caruso started in net and had two saves, but fellow sophomore Cortlynn Boone finished the game out with 96 total minutes and five saves.
McMurry continues conference play on Thursday, Sept. 30 at home against East Texas Baptist. Kickoff is set for 5 p.m. at Wilford Moore Stadium.
