SPRINGFIELD, OH– The Kenyon women's soccer team fought through a closely contested matchup on the road Friday night, earning a 1-1 draw against Wittenberg University (6-1-5, 2-0-2 NCAC) at Edwards-Maurer Stadium in North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC) play. 

The first half proved to be a challenge for Kenyon (7-2-4, 1-1-1 NCAC), as Wittenberg struck first in the 35th minute. The Tigers' leading scorer, Sarah Deaton, found space and slotted a shot past sophomore Ariel Kite to give the home team a 1-0 lead. Despite the setback, the Owls generated a strong look on goal, with sophomore Emily Copeland testing the Wittenberg Keeper Lily Winkle once before halftime. Sophomore Zoe Lipp also added a near score in the 42nd minute, forcing a diving save to keep the deficit at one heading into the break. 

The Owls came out of halftime with renewed energy, immediately pressing Wittenberg's backline. Their persistence paid off in the 58th minute when Copeland, Kenyon's leading scorer, tied the game with her eighth goal of the season. The sophomore forward found the back of the net after Kenyon created a promising buildup, driving a well-placed shot into the lower corner to level the score at 1-1

Both teams exchanged chances down the stretch, but Kite anchored the Kenyon defense with six saves on seven shots on goal, including a key stop in the 63rd minute to deny a Wittenberg opportunity. Offensively, the Owls stayed efficient, recording five total shots, all of them on target. The Tigers, meanwhile, tallied 13 total attempts with seven on frame. 

Copeland led all players with three shots on target and the lone goal for the Owls, while Senior Jenna Michel and Lipp each added one shot on goal. 

The Owls return home to Gambier on Wednesday, October 22, for another battle against John Carroll University. Kickoff at Mavec Field is set for 3:30 PM.