The Northwest Missouri State University women’s soccer team began its season Friday with a draw, 2-2, against Saint Cloud State at Bearcat Pitch.

The Bearcats set a fast pace early in the home opener, but the Huskies were at their side through the whole game. Both teams took 19 shots in the game. The Bearcats lost the lead in 83rd minute, and could not recover.

Amanda Bundrant connected with Victoria Von Mende for a goal in the fourth minute to give Northwest an early 1-0 lead. The goal was Von Mende’s first of the season. In the 2011 season, she tied the program record for most goals scored in a season with 11.

St. Cloud made their comeback in the second half. The unassisted goal by Bailly Drayton started their final push to the end of regulation. Coco Cammon assisted with the tying goal by Gabby Fleck in the 83rd minute.

Freshman, Crystal McElhose, scored her first career goal in the 53rd minute that gave Northwest a 2-1 lead.

Bearcat Goalkeeper Kelsey Adams was solid in the net with 12 saves out of 14 shots on goal.

With the draw, the Bearcats and Huskies records start at 0-0-1. The Bearcats host Newman University at Bearcat Pitch Sunday at 1 p.m.

— NWMSU Sports Information —