MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — The Ave Maria University Women's Soccer team fought back from an early deficit to earn a 1-1 draw against Florida Memorial on Saturday night. Both teams battled hard in a game that featured strong defensive efforts and late offensive pushes.

Florida Memorial opened the scoring in the 51^st minute when Isabella Landin converted a penalty kick, giving the host team a 1-0 lead.

The Gyrenes responded with persistent pressure, outshooting the Lions 10-8 over the match and generating several scoring opportunities, particularly in the second half.

Freshman Allie Burgess tied the game in the 80^th minute with a shot assisted by Kayla Sciortino. The goal, Burgess' fourth of the season, was the culmination of a series of determined attacks led by midfielders Cadey Ragsdale and Sarah Humphries, who both challenged Florida Memorial's goalkeeper Isabella Rueda throughout the second half.

Goalkeeper Avalena DeBolt made four crucial saves to keep the Gyrenes in contention. Both squads also recorded five fouls each, though neither committed any penalties beyond the goal awarded to Florida Memorial.

Corner kicks were limited, with Ave Maria generating just one while Florida Memorial managed four. Substitutions on both sides helped maintain energy late in the match, but neither team could break the tie in the closing minutes.

With the draw, Ave Maria improves to 4-7-4 overall and 0-3-3 in conference play gaining them a crucial point in the Sun Conference standings and keeping their postseason hopes alive. Ave Maria's path to the conference tournament is fairly simple. If the Gyrenes win their final two games of the season, the loser of the Florida Memorial/New College match on October 22 loses out and Warner loses at least two games, then the Gyrenes are in the postseason. Warner losing two games is pretty likely as they have #1 Keiser and #24 Southeastern remaining on their schedule. The Gyrenes would probably prefer New College to lose to Florida Memorial on October 22, allowing Ave Maria to control their own destiny in their season finale against the Mighty Banyans. However, if NCF beats FMU, the Lions finish their season with #18 SCAD and #1 Keiser which are two tough games for Florida Memorial and favor Ave Maria getting into the postseason.

Before the Gyrenes can look ahead though, they need to take care of business in their next match. Ave Maria is back on the pitch Wednesday, October 22, as they host the Webber Warriors. Webber is currently winless in the conference at 0-5. It will be Ave Maria's final home match at Gyrene Field in the regular season as they close out the year on the road. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. and the match will be streamed live on the Urban Edge Network.