ST. MARY'S CITY, Md. – The Salisbury University women's soccer team came up even with Rutgers University-Camden in the season opener, playing to a 1-1 draw on Friday evening inside Jamie L. Roberts Stadium on the campus of St. Mary's (Md.) in the Seahawk Classic.
The Scarlet Raptors needed just 65 seconds to go ahead when Jazmin Brown snuck the game's first shot into the nylon. The Sea Gulls kept pace with their foes despite the early deficit, firing seven shots to Rutgers-Camden's 10 in the first half, while
Riley Pinato made a trio of saves to keep the margin at one.
Salisbury took command of the second half, holding the Raptors to just one shot while taking eight of their own. The pivotal moment came in the 79th minute when the Sea Gulls sent
Ava Wheeler to the spot, who nailed the penalty kick to bring the game to a tie.
SU kept the pressure on, forcing two more saves by the opposing net-minder in the final seven minutes, but the Raptor defense held firm late to keep the scales balanced.
GAME NOTES
- Ava Wheeler's penalty goal was the fifth of her Sea Gull career and her first career PK goal.
- Katy Poltrack drew plenty of attention in the draw, taking six shots and putting five on target.
- Riley Pinato made four saves in her fifth career draw.
The Sea Gulls conclude their run in the Seahawk Classic tomorrow against Greensboro College. Kickoff is scheduled for 2 p.m. from inside Jamie L. Roberts Stadium.
Salisbury University is a proud member of NCAA Division III with primary membership in the Coast-to-Coast Athletic Conference, along with the New Jersey Athletic Conference for football and men's and women's swimming, and the Coastal Lacrosse Conference for men's lacrosse. With over 500 student-athletes in 23 varsity sports, SU is recognized as one of the most competitive intercollegiate athletics programs regardless of division, featuring dedicated coaches and staff that foster excellence on and off the field. The Sea Gulls have celebrated 23 team national championships, 24 individual national champions, 199 conference championships, and 50 Academic All-Americans.
To Make Tomorrow Yours at Salisbury University, and learn more about Sea Gull Athletics' tradition of excellence, visit www.SUSeaGulls.com or follow on social media @SUSeaGulls.
