HESSTON, Kan. — The Hesston College women’s soccer team battled Mount Marty University to a 1-1 draw Sunday afternoon, moving the Larks to 3-1-3 on the season.
Mount Marty controlled much of the possession and offensive pressure in the opening half, but the Hesston defense kept the Lancers off the scoreboard. Goalkeeper Ashleigh Williams made five first-half saves, including stops in the 11th, 24th, 25th, 29th and 42nd minutes.
Hesston generated its best opportunity of the opening half in the 23rd minute when Emilie Romero put a shot on goal, but Mount Marty goalkeeper Kendall Ellis made the save. Rena Itoga added another attempt later in the half as the teams went into halftime scoreless.
The Larks wasted little time taking the lead after halftime. Just 40 seconds into the second half, Susana Martinez found the back of the net to put Hesston ahead 1-0. Yesenia Sanchez nearly added to the lead in the 52nd minute but had her attempt saved.
Martinez continued to create opportunities, putting another shot on goal in the 65th minute, but Mount Marty continued applying pressure at the other end. Williams made saves in the 66th and 78th minutes to preserve the one-goal advantage.
Mount Marty eventually found the equalizer in the 79th minute when Luz Rojas-Martinez converted a penalty kick to tie the match at 1-1. The Lancers continued to push in the closing minutes, but Williams made three more saves over the final six minutes to keep the match level.
Mount Marty finished with a 32-6 advantage in shots and put 13 attempts on goal. Martinez led the Hesston attack with three shots, including two on goal and the Larks’ lone goal. Sanchez and Romero each added a shot on target.
Williams played all 90 minutes in goal and finished with 12 saves while allowing just the penalty-kick goal.
The Larks will return to action Wednesday, Sept. 16 when they travel to McPherson, Kan., to face Central Christian College at 5 p.m.
