ELLENSBURG, Wash. - The Central Washington University team dug deep Thursday, finding a way to draw against the #7 Western Washington Vikings 1-1.
 
"They are a very good team and the girls believe that they are too," Head Coach Lindsey Lee said.
 
The game was originally scheduled to play at WWU but was rescheduled to the CWU Soccer Field because of air quality conditions.
 
Jordan Bartlow found a couple of opportunities early, rattling off a couple of shots. But, the Vikings found even more offensive chances, taking seven shots in the early portion of the game.
 
In the 31st minute, the Wildcats found the back if the net. Emily Darcy gained possession outside the WWU 18-yard box. She took a shot from an obscure angle that got past the Viking goalkeeper, giving the 'Cats a 1-0 lead.
 
"Emily placed the ball right where she needed to. She's been very good at finishing the past couple of weeks," Coach Lee said.
 
Western Washington responded less than 20 seconds later. Morgan Manalili found the back of the net, assisted by Levinte Estera. Both teams exchanged shots for the remainder of the half but neither team scored.
 
In the second half, both teams maintained offensive spells but neither CWU or WWU could manage an opportunity strong enough to take the lead.
 
The Vikings recorded 22 shots, seven on goal. The Wildcats registered eight shots, three of which were on target. Bartlow led the team in shots (3).
 
Kassandra Jaggard played all 90 minutes in goal for the 'Cats, logging five saves.
 
SCORING RECAP
31' CWU Goal. Scored by Emily Darcy (5), unassisted.
 
31' WWU Goal. Scored by Morgan Manalili, assisted Estera Levinte.
 
UP NEXT
The Wildcats (3-8-4, 2-6-3) remain in the GNAC postseason hunt. They travel up Burnaby, B.C. to take on the Simon Fraser Red Leafs (3-6-5, 2-5-3)  on Saturday, Oct. 22, at 1:00 p.m.