Juliana Lopez with the ball.
For 90 minutes on a hot Saturday afternoon at the Ray Conn Sports Complex, Lee and CedarvilleUniversity battled to a 1-1 draw in the final game of the Lady Flames Opening Kickoff Weekend. Ohio Dominican and Carson-Newman also fought to a 1-1 tie earlier in the day.
The Lady Flames wasted no time in getting an 1-0 advantage. Senior forward Ellie Crisler delivered a cross from the right corner to freshman midfielder Juliana Lopez who ripped her shot into the back of the net. It was Lopez’s first career goal and the first assist of the season for Crisler.
"Give credit to Cedarville today, they are a well coached team," said Head Coach Chris Hennessey.
"At points today they wanted it more than we did."
The physical contest went back and forth until the Yellow Jackets picked up help from the Lady Flames at the 28:25 mark in the first half. The tally came on an on goal and was the result of a cross that was redirected by a Lee defender into the back of the net.
In the first half, Lee took seven shots and Cedarville fired five. The Lady Flames picked up the pace in the second half and blasted 10 shots to only three for the visitors. All totaled the Lady Flames had seven shots on goal to four for Cedarville. Crisler had three shots on goal. Kate Dirkse one, Kierstin Havens one, and Ruth Edrington had one.
For the Yellow Jackets, Aldah Martone, Emily Walton, Mary Kate Wyer and Payton Fratey placed one shot on goal. Lee freshman keeper Josie Taylor was solid all afternoon and had four saves. Brooke Ackley also was extremely active and posted six saves for Cedarville. Both teams were awarded five corner kicks apiece.
"This second game of the weekend is a lot different than the first. It is much tougher mentally and physically and we still are learning to gel as a team," said Hennessey.
The Lady Flames will take a needed break and get ready for a Thursday (6 p.m.) contest against Emmanuel College at the Ray Conn Sports Complex.