NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Belmont women's soccer battled back twice on Thursday night at E.S. Rose Park, earning a hard-fought 2–2 draw against Drake in Missouri Valley Conference play.
The Bulldogs opened the scoring in the 15th minute when Layla Kelbel found the back of the net, giving Drake the early lead. Belmont weathered the first-half pressure, with graduate goalkeeper Sydney Jones making four key saves to keep the Bruins within striking distance.
The Bruins equalized in the 66th minute when Olivia Walker buried a header off a setup from Kennedy Wise, leveling the match at 1–1. Drake answered quickly, reclaiming the lead in the 72nd minute on a goal by Isabella Balsley.
Belmont refused to back down, and with time winding down, the Bruins found their breakthrough. In the 89th minute, Kate Virtel slotted home the game-tying goal after a well-placed assist from Lillie Tabor, sealing the 2–2 result.
Drake outshot Belmont 10–7, but the Bruins made the most of their chances, converting both of their shots on goal. Jones finished with five saves, while Drake keeper Addie Ford was not forced into a save.
What's Bruin
- Sophomore Olivia Walker netted her first goal of the year, assisted by Kennedy Wise.
- Junior midfielder Kate Virtel scored her first goal of the season with an 89th-minute equalizer.
- Lillie Tabor recorded her first assist and also has played ten consecutive matches of 90 minutes played.
Up Next
- The Bruins return to action at E.S. Rose Park for Senior Night against Northern Iowa Sunday September 28, at 1:00 p.m.
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