LACEY, Wash.- The Central Washington University women's soccer team (2-2-3, 0-2-2 GNAC) battled to a 1-1 draw against Saint Martin's University (1-6-1, 0-3-1 GNAC) on Saturday afternoon at Saints Field. Kelsey Fulton put the Wildcats on the board in the 55th minute, rifling a shot past the Saints' goalkeeper to give CWU a 1-0 lead. Just four minutes later, Saint Martin's responded as Briana-Jean Tanaka found the back of the net in the 59th minute to level the match.
 
FIRST HALF
The first half remained scoreless, with Saint Martin's holding a slight 5–3 edge in shots. Central Washington threatened early, as Emma Barrett forced Saints goalkeeper Mallory Patzer into a save in just the first minute. On the other end, CWU keeper Leighton Menge was called into action in the 9th minute, making an early stop to keep the game level. In the 31st minute, Casey Park unleashed a shot from distance, but it sailed over the crossbar.
 
SECOND HALF
Central Washington outshot Saint Martin's 11–7 in the second half, with both sides generating quality scoring chances. Leighton Menge came up big for the Wildcats, making two crucial saves to keep the match level. CWU broke the deadlock in the 55th minute when Fulton slotted a shot past the SMU goalkeeper off a well-placed assist from Haley Engstrom. Just four minutes later, Tanaka answered for the Saints, rifling a shot into the net to tie the match at 1–1. The Wildcats continued to push for a winner, with Carmen Anderson forcing a save in the 63rd minute and Jaylee Reynolds testing the keeper again in the 83rd minute, but the Saints held firm to preserve the draw.
 
QUOTING HEAD COACH JOHN HAWKS
"Proud of our group and the effort they gave today…Credit to Saint Martins and a team that made our job tough today! 

For us to go from good to great we'll need to refine a few run of play matters and find the composure to find ways to finish games out as a total team!

It's in our control and we'll be better for it come Monday as we shift our focus towards MSUB!"
 
UP NEXT
The Wildcats return to action on Thursday, Oct. 9, when they host Montana State Billings at CWU Soccer Field. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. The homestand continues Saturday, Oct. 11, as the Crimson and Black welcome #18 Seattle Pacific to Steve Hertling Field at Tomlinson Stadium for an 11:00 a.m. matchup. Fans are encouraged to come out and support the Wildcats as they continue their push toward GNAC Tournament qualification.