ELLENSBURG, Wash.- The Central Washington University women's soccer team (3-6-5, 1-6-4 GNAC) battled to earn a hard-fought point Thursday afternoon, finishing in a 1–1 draw with Saint Martin's University (2-11-2, 1-8-2 GNAC) at Steve Hertling Field at Tomlinson Stadium. Casey Park put the Wildcats ahead in the 55th minute, rifling a shot into the top right corner off an assist from Jaylee Reynolds. The Saints leveled the match in the 86th minute when Brooke Streeter found the back of the net, converting a pass from Angely Puga.  
 

FIRST HALF
The first half remained scoreless despite Central Washington holding a 6–1 advantage in shots. Both teams created chances but couldn't convert. In the 9th minute, Casey Park tested goalkeeper Sam Escobar with a shot on target, forcing an early save. Saint Martin's responded in the 22nd minute when Rose Ivanis fired on goal, but CWU keeper Leighton Menge came up with a crucial stop. Just seven minutes later, Sadie Schaefer put another shot on frame for the Wildcats, but Escobar denied her to keep the match level. Menge recorded one save in the half.
 

SECOND HALF
Central came out strong in the second half, breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute when Casey Park buried a shot into the net off an assist from Jaylee Reynolds. Just two minutes later, Sydney Madison forced Saints goalkeeper Mallory Patzer into a save with a well-placed shot on target. Saint Martin's responded in the 62nd minute as Angely Puga tested CWU's Leighton Menge, who came up with another key stop. The Saints found the equalizer in the 86th minute when Brooke Streeter fired a low strike into the bottom right corner off a precise pass from Puga. Despite outshooting the Saints 9–8 in the half, the Wildcats couldn't regain the lead. Menge finished the half with five saves.
 

QUOTING HEAD COACH JOHN HAWKS
"It comes down to a composure and clinical execution with finishing in the final 1/3. 

Statistically we're creating the chances; now it's a matter of finishing those chances! 

We'll continue to work on this as we refine the details required to turn ties into wins…Go Cats!"
 

UP NEXT
The Wildcats' homestand continues on Saturday, November 1, as they host #23 Western Oregon University. Kickoff is set for 11:00 a.m. at Steve Hertling Field at Tomlinson Stadium.