York University Women's Soccer traveled to Bartlesville, Oklahoma on Saturday, October 7th with a monumental task: find a way to get a result from the 9th ranked team in the nation, Oklahoma Wesleyan.

The Panthers started slowly and were under pressure during the opening minutes. York did not heed the early warning signals, and the Eagles took the lead after a long ball evaded the York defense and was finished by Oklahoma Wesleyan.

That early goal jolted York into life. The Panthers grew into the game, winning more 50-50 balls and getting more possession in the middle third of the field.

York was able to withstand more OKWU attacks as the interval approached, and were able to head in at halftime down 1-0.

The second half saw York start quickly with more possession and pressure on the Oklahoma Wesleyan defense. At the other end of the field, York had to be alert to the direct attacks of the Eagles. Harumi Cornejo made some wonderful saves, and Rieke Wolff was immense with her defensive headers and clearances.

As time ticked down, York's intensity and grit was evident; the players continued to fight for every ball in the hope that they would get one more chance.

With 1:30 left in the game, that chance arrived. A throw-in made its way into the Oklahoma Wesleyan box. When the ball broke loose, it landed at the feet of Sofia Villa Monterd, who unleashed an unstoppable left-footed strike into the top corner, sparking wild celebrations of joy and relief from the Panther players and bench.

The game ended 1-1, leaving York at 4-6-2 overall, and 3-3-2 in KCAC play. York has a bye this coming midweek, and will be back in conference play on Saturday, October 14th when they host Friends University at 3:30pm at the Cornerstone Soccer Complex.