Battle Of Nationally Ranked Soccer Teams Ends Level At 3-3

The #18 Athenas soccer team took the field against #14 University of Puget Sound up in Tacoma, WA on Sunday in a back and forth game that ended in a 3-3 tie.  The game was exciting throughout with both teams creating a number of good opportunities.  UPS scored first in the 15th minute, but 13 seconds later, CMS tied the game as Kirsten McAfee (SR, Albuquerque) tracked down a long cross on the far post and sent a service back in that found the head of Julia Nishioka (JR, Honolulu, HI [pictured]) who scored into the far post.  The Loggers responded minutes later when UPS' star player Theresa Henle, showed her dominance with her first of two goals in the game.  Again the Athenas fought back and within six minutes had tied the game 2-2.  Arlyn Madsen-Bond (SR, Cambridge, MA) used a short corner to spring Michele Barnhill (JR, Paradise Valley, AZ) free on the left side.  Barnhill dribbled into the box and drilled a shot that deflected in for a goal.  The Athenas came out hard after halftime and pushed for the go ahead goal, but could not score with any of their first few chances.  UPS countered and Henle again broke free of the CMS defense and scored her second of the day in the 54th minute.  CMS again came marching back with a great goal from Lizzie Van Buskirk (JR, San Rafael) off an assist from Nishioka with seven minutes remaining in regulation.  Both teams continued to battle through the end of regulation and through both overtime periods.  Both teams had chances to win the game, but the cross bar stopped CMS and the Athena defense along with keeper Hannah Dunham (FR, Glendale) kept the Loggers off the board. 

CMS will start conference play on Wednesday on the road at Cal Lutheran at 4:00 pm.