Late Del Prior Goal Salvages Draw for Eagles

Carlinville, IL - The Eagles opened the road portion of their season on Saturday with a trip to Carlinville, IL to take on the Beavers of Blackburn College. After a slow start to the match which saw them give up a goal in the first half, the Eagles turned up the pressure in the second half and salvaged a draw on a late goal by sophomore Demi Del Prior.

Faith started the game with a quick shot on frame, which the Beaver keeper turned aside. After that shot, it was all Blackburn for the rest of the first half. Blackburn's pressure eventually cracked the Eagle defense, and they slid one past Faith's Abby Farver to take a 1-0 lead 20 minutes into the match. Blackburn would continue to pressure for the rest of the half, but Faith defended well enough to keep the margin at 1-0 going into the break. Blackburn outshot Faith 8-2 in the opening frame.

Faith came out more aggressive in the second half, mounting consistent pressure throughout the final 45 minutes. The Eagles were finally able to break through with just over a minute to play in the game when sophomore Kayla Stephens played a ball to Del Prior, who put the ball into the back of the net to knot the score at one each. Neither team was able to manage a shot in the final minute and a half, and the game ended in a tie. 

Faith outshot Blackburn 10-1 in the second half and 12-9 for the game. The Eagles are back in action on Saturday, September 9, at 1 PM, when they will host region opponent North Central University at Pyche Field in Ankeny.