MOUNT VERNON, Ohio – The Grace College women's soccer team played to a 2-2 draw Saturday evening against Mt. Vernon Nazarene.
Alexis Larimore and Joana Schimmel were the goal scorers for Grace, and freshman JJ Aalbue got the helper on both goals.
The Lady Lancers (12-2-1, 4-1-1 Crossroads League) grabbed control of the game early with a pair shots but were unable to beat the Cougars' goalkeeper.
In the 11th minute MVNU capitalized on their first scoring chance to take the lead 1-0.
Midway into the first half, the Lady Lancers managed to pull even. Schimmel scored off a set piece attack with Aalbue setting her up on the play.
The Lady Lancers had a number of chances late in the first half to take the lead. Taylor Fort and Liz Van Wormer both put shots towards the net that required the Cougars' goalkeeper to make saves to keep the game even heading to the intermission.
Grace held a 7-5 edge in shots before halftime, and that gap would only grow as the game progressed.
The second half was a dominant performance from the Lady Lancers. They opened the half pressuring the Cougars' defense with a pair of shots and a corner kick opportunity.
In the 49th minute Schimmel put the Lady Lancers on top 2-1, scoring off a pass from Aalbue who picked up her second assist of the night.
Grace continued to pressure Mt. Vernon's defense with seven shots over the next 15 minutes. In the 58th minute Aalbue came close to adding a goal to her already fantastic night, but her shot from just inside the box went high of the net.
Mt. Vernon struggled to mount any sustained pressure on the Lady Lancers. But despite taking just two shots in the second half, the Cougars managed to tie the match 2-2 in the 83rd minute.
Grace finished regulation with a sense of urgency but were unable to find the game winning goal.
Over the first 90 minutes of game action, the Lady Lancers outshot the Cougars 19-7; Grace also had a 4-1 advantage in corner kicks.
The first overtime period was a physical battle with three fouls being called and a lone shot from the Cougars that was sent well wide of the net.
Early in the second overtime period, Blackwood was forced to make a close-range save as Mt. Vernon maneuvered for a shot at Grace's goal.
Van Wormer had the lone Lady Lancer shot attempt of the second overtime period but was unable to score the winner. The match ended tied at 2.
The Lady Lancers finished the night with 10 of their 20 shots being put on goal. Aalbue led the team with five shots.
The Lady Lancers return home Wednesday night at 7 p.m. in a highly anticipated match at 1st Source Bank Field. Grace welcomes defending league champion Spring Arbor on Wednesday.
