GOODWELL, Okla. — The Oklahoma Panhandle State women's soccer team (5-4-1, 2-2-1 SAC) played disciplined defense and notched a late long-range equalizer to tie No. 21 University of Science & Arts (7-2-5, 2-0-3) and earn the program's first point in the standings against a ranked opponent.
 
Emma Contreras connected with a superb deep strike from the middle of the field in the 81st minute, set up by a pass from the left sideline by Emma Daskalov.
 
The game-tying goal was Contreras' third score in the past two matches, while Daskalov was credited with her first assist and ninth point of the season.
 
OPSU kept to the game plan defensively throughout the first half, playing back and forcing USAO to get creative if the visitors wanted a good shot.
 
The Aggies continued to make life tough on the Drovers until the 76th minute when they broke the hosts' backline with a cross and scored.
 
Despite No. 21 USAO's offense seemingly being rejuvenated by the goal, its next two shots resulted in a miss high and a save by AlaraLynn Gunderson. OPSU put up a shot on goal from Yaddelis Alderete a minute later before taking its first corner kick of the match in the 80th minute.
 
One moment later, the Aggies tied it up and eventually hung on for a critical 1-1 draw despite being outshot, 17-4, and tallying 10 fewer corner kicks than the Drovers.
 
Panhandle State was led by Contreras with her three shots, while Gunderson (5-2-1) stepped up in a big way with six saves.
 
The 1-1 draw keeps OPSU unbeaten on its home pitch and within the top half of the SAC standings with seven points.
 
What's up next: Panhandle State has a week off before it begins a tough two-match road trip at No. 10 John Brown (6-2-3, 3-0-1) on Oct. 18.