BLUE MOUNTAIN, Miss. - The Indiana University Kokomo women's soccer team led 1-0 in Thursday's season opener before Blue Mountain Christian University responded with the equalizer in the 60th minute, forcing the Cougars to settle for a draw.

The Toppers of Blue Mountain Christian began the match strong, forcing IUK goalkeeper Kailee Moore to make a pair of saves in the opening 15 minutes. Moore would finish the first half with five saves.

Keely Hoopingarner recorded two shots in the first half, with one in the 38th minute finding its way on target. IU Kokomo and Blue Mountain Christian went into halftime knotted at 0-0.

The Cougars found the scoreboard nearly ten minutes into the second half, as Elaina Page scored the Cougars first goal of the season to take a 1-0 lead in the 55th minute. The goal, assisted by Kaiya Bogers, was Page's first as a Cougar.

Five minutes later in the 60th minute, Blue Mountain Christian's Maria Diedrick answered with a goal to tie the match 1-1 with 30 minutes to play.

Both teams had their fair-share of chances and shots on goal in the final 30 minutes, but neither side managed to find the back of the net again, as the match ended in a 1-1 draw.

Despite being out-shot 24-12, the Cougars were much more accurate with their attempts, as the two teams both finished the match with eight shots on goal. Kailee Moore finished the match with seven saves on eight attempts.

The Cougars will return to the pitch Saturday in Henderson, Tennessee, where they will take on the Lions of Freed-Hardeman University. Kick-off is set for 2:00 PM ET.
 

For the latest news, updates, and information on the IU Kokomo Cougars, fans can visit IUKCougars.com. Fans can also stay up to date on the latest Cougar news by following @IUKAthletics on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.