MURFREESBORO, Tenn. -- The Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders and Drury Panthers battled to a 1-1 tie Sunday afternoon at Blue Raider Soccer Field in a very physical match that had 38 fouls between the two teams and many more that could have been whistled.
The Blue Raiders (1-3-1) controlled much of the action in the first 20 minutes of the match and took an early 1-0 lead when Lindsey Bopp redirected a cross from Sarah Linder into the back of the net in the fourth minute. Ashley Elliott began the scoring opportunity with a nice through-ball to Linder.
But the visiting Panthers (0-3-1) would find their footing midway through the opening half, as Julie Hunkins took control of a turnover by the Blue Raiders, raced into the 18-yard box and nailed a shot past Middle Tennessee keeper Danielle Perreault. The ball bounced off the crossbar and down into the net.
Second-half action was fast and furious for both teams, with Middle Tennessee outshooting Drury, 13-10. Perreault made three saves in the second half to five to DU keeper Jen Grib. Blue Raider Danielle LaDuke had one final shot before the second half buzzer sounded, shooting wide left and forcing overtime.
Drury had the better scoring chances in the first overtime period, forcing Perreault to make two saves in the 10-minute period. Each keeper made one save in the final overtime period.
Middle Tennessee outshot Drury, 28-23, in the match, and both squads committed 19 fouls. Grib finished the match with 11 saves to eight for Perreault.
The Blue Raiders played without two starters in the match, senior Sheri Robbins and junior Christina Mascaro. Emily Carter did return to the lineup after missing Friday's match, but was limited in her playing time.
The Blue Raiders hit the road again to take on Auburn and Alabama Friday and Sunday, respectively, before returning home to take on Alabama A&M on September 20 at 3 p.m.
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