SWARTHMORE, Pa. - The Swarthmore College women's soccer team battled back to a 1-1 draw in its season opener versus Montclair State University on Friday afternoon.

The Garnet fell behind early after allowing a score in the 33rd minute, but were able to battle back with a second-half score. Sydney Ross collected her first career goal in the 55th minute to force a draw.

Lila Travers made three saves while allowing one goal in her season debut. Montclair attempted four shots on goal compared to Swarthmore's nine attempts. 

HOW IT HAPPENED
- Swarthmore generated a pair of quality chances early in the opening half. Ava Gizzie was denied on a free kick from 25-yards out in the fifth minute, while Ross had a header saved following a free kick in the next minute. 

- The Garnet threatened with another free kick in the 32nd minute. Allie Zitelli touched a header towards the keeper, but had her attempt saved. Swarthmore outshot the Red Hawks 12-2 in the stanza with a 6-0 corner advantage.

- The Red Hawks took advantage of their minimal scoring opportunities with a goal in the 33rd minute. Montclair had two touches at midfield before hitting its attacker on the run for the opening score. 

- Swarthmore tied things up early in the second half with an equalizer in the 55th minute. Ross split a pair of defenders at the top of the box and then beat the keeper to the opposite post for her first collegiate tally, 1-1. 

- Travers preserved the draw with a critical diving save in the 88th minute. The Red Hawks advanced the ball into the box and fired a strike to the far post, which was batted away by an outstretched Travers. 

- Montclair outshot the Garnet 7-5 in the final half, but suffered a 17-9 disadvantage in the match. 

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GARNET LEADERS
Goals: Ross 1
Shots: Ross 5
Saves: Travers 3

UP NEXT
The Garnet (0-0-1) close out opening-weekend action with DeSales University on Sunday.