Box Score GAMBIER, Ohio  – Kenyon College Women's Soccer continues to inch closer to its conference opener. Serving as its last contest prior to their match their North Coast Athletic Conference debut was Otterbein University. The Ladies overcame an early deficit but freshman Maggie Smith connected in the second half to tie up the match and defense presided from that point on, giving Kenyon its first tie of the season.

Smith scored her second goal of the season to sway the course of the match in the 67th minute of Wednesday's match. The goal came directly off of a save made by sophomore goaltender Alissa Poolpol. The ball was quickly played up the field when Becca Romaine gained possession and was converged upon by three Cardinal defenders. The defensive maneuver created space for Smith to slide ahead with clear vision to the Otterbein goal. Romaine's pass led Smith perfectly into a one-on-one opportunity with goaltender Dana Strimbu. Smith then launched a left-footed blast that snuck in just below the crossbar for the score. It was her second goal of the season.

Quality chances were limited for both teams for the duration of regulation, with the exception of the last shot taken by either team with eight seconds left on the clock. Otterbein controlled the ball for much of the final two minutes, but after having the ball played out to the top of the box, Polly Sellers put shot on from about 15 yards out that looked as if it would make its way to the back of the net. However, Poolpol manned her station and made the save with outstretched arms while diving to her left. That save was her third and final of the day, but none were larger in the grand scope of the match.

Kenyon was unable to put forth a shot in either overtime session, while Otterbein managed a pair with neither landing on goal.

Smith and Katie Blake led the Ladies with three shots taken apiece. Five of those landed on goal between them with all three of Smith's landing between the pipes. Jillian Strimbu led the Cardinals with four shots taken.

Poolpol came into the match after the completion of the first half in relief of Lauren Wolfe. Wolfe allowed an unlucky goal to Jillian Strimbu on a ball that rolled in for an easy save but went right through her hands and into the cage. Poolpol came in at the turn of the half and stopped all three shots that came her way and kept Otterbein off the board through two overtime sessions to lead to the draw.

Though the nonconference schedule is not yet complete, Kenyon (2-5-1) will open its NCAC slate against DePauw University at home this Saturday at 1 p.m.