AVE MARIA, Fla.- The Ave Maria University women's soccer team emerged from the weekend unbeaten, as the Gyrenes earned a draw with the visiting Knights of Middle Georgia State University, 1-1. The Gyrenes got a goal in the 76th minute to keep a zero in the loss column on the season, finishing the week with a 1-0-1 record.

Ave Maria had possession for much of the first half, but it was Middle Georgia who accounted for the lone goal. In the 38th minute, a scramble caught the AMU goalkeeper out of position, and the Knights' Nicole Beasley finished into an open net to give Middle Georgia the initial lead. That goal would be the only that found the back of the net in the first half. 

Veronica Rodriguez had the best chance for the Gyrenes in the 29th minute, but saw her shot turned away by Middle Georgia goalkeeper Iqra Noor. The Gyrenes outshot the Knights in the first half by a 9-3 margin, but were only able to put two of those shots on goal.

Almost 30 minutes passed in the second half before the Gyrenes finally found their equalizer. In the 76th minute, sophomore Lexi Boyko hit a cross that somehow found its way through numerous players before freshman Cate Cox tapped it home for her first career goal. Cox's equalizer held up over the final 14 minutes, giving AMU a point against a quality opponent. 

The Gyrenes shut out the Knights in the second half despite the Knights holding a 10-9 edge in shots over the final 45 minutes. Freshman goalkeeper Emma Schweitzer made three key saves for the Gyrenes in the second half, keeping Middle Georgia's score at one to lead to Cox's late equalizer.

In total, the Gyrenes outshot Middle Georgia by an 18-13 margin, and took six corner kicks to just one for the Knights. Five Gyrenes attempted multiple shots, led by five from Cox and four from Rodriguez.

After playing two matches in three days, the Gyrenes will get a week to rest before returning to the field next Saturday. Ave Maria's opponent will be a familiar one, as the Gyrenes will battle Thomas University, a former member of The Sun Conference. Ave Maria and Thomas have split the last two meetings between the teams, with both sides winning on their home field. Kickoff of AMU's final non-conference match of the season is scheduled for noon at Gyrene Field.