BILLINGS, MT – Facing a two-goal deficit, second half counters by seniors
Megan Searson and
Michelle McGeary earned the University of Mary a 2-2 draw on the road against Montana State University Billings.
Fast starts to both halves by the Yellowjackets put the Marauders in an unenviable position. Following a foul by Mary, Dana Lubieniecki curled a free kick from 20 yards out into the left side of the net just 3:38 into the game.
Two solid scoring attempts generated by the Marauders just missed knotting the game halfway through the first half. McGeary rolled her first shot of the game just wide of the left post before hitting a shot from on top of the box that resulted in a save for the Yellowjackets goalkeeper Lili Delgadillo.
Late in the half, a dangerous cross from Lubieniecki was intercepted on a diving grab by Marauders goalkeeper
Hannah Smith.
The Yellowjackets doubled their lead to 2-0 just 40 seconds into the second half when Jessica Spang finished a loose ball inside the 6-yard box.
The Marauders didn't wait long to retaliate. Awarded a penalty kick after the Yellowjackets were called for a hand ball inside the box, Searson stepped forward and calmly tucked home right-footed shot to cut the Mary deficit in half in the 48
th minute.
Searson's goal was the first of the season for the Marauders and snapped a string of seven straight goals by the opposition.
Mary struck again in the 62
nd minute.
Kylee Welch broke free down the right side and made a perfect pass into the box to McGeary. This time the Marauders captain didn't miss, burying the equalizer from 12 yards out.
Neither team could find the goal the rest of the day.
"We generated enough offense to win but also played smart enough not to drop the game," said Marauders head coach
Sarah Cook. "Learning to battle from behind was an experience our team needed as we prepare to go into conference play.
Michelle McGeary provided excellent senior leadership and our freshman also played well."
While the Yellowjackets held a 20-17 edge in shots, both teams placed nine on frame. Mary managed a 6-4 advantage in corner kicks, though MSUB had the only two taken in overtime.
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