Chicago, Ill. - Illinois Tech women's soccer team opened their season today at Stuart Field against Davenport University. After starting off slow and an injury, the Scarlet Hawks battled back to tie the game at 2-2. After two scoreless overtimes, the game ended in a draw.

The Scarlet Hawks had a tough first half with Davenport scoring an early goal and the freshman starter, Amanda Smith, sustaining a broken leg in the 37th minute. However, the Hawks never gave up and the game balanced out quickly, with the Hawks getting off twelve shots in the first half.

Davenport scored another goal with only 33 minutes remaining in the game. The Scarlet Hawks were not going to give up without a fight, and 10 minutes later Lauren Walters scored with an assist from Lauren Wissman. The Scarlet Hawks continued to put pressure on Davenport, and with 10 minutes remaining Katherine Durbin scored after an assist from Erica Delgado to tie the game at 2-2.

Two overtimes followed after the regulation 90 minutes, but neither team was able to score. Hawks keeper and captain, Lauren McClelland, ended the game with 14 saves.

"It was difficult for us today because of the serious injury to Amanda in the first half," said Coach Peacock. "It's one of the ugly sides of the game and my heart goes out to her. She is an important member of the team and she will be missed this year. Considering everything that happened today, the injury, going down 2-0, we showed great character to come back. In the end, if I am being honest, I think we should have won game."

The Scarlet Hawks take on Madonna University tomorrow at 1:00 on Stuart Field.