The U.S. Merchant Marine Academy women's soccer team battled Coast Guard to a 2-2 draw Friday night in New London, Connecticut. Coast Guard struck first just 1:33 into the match when Ella Pottle finished a cross from Annabelle Pezzullo, but USMMA answered in the 17th minute as Hailey Catolico found the back of the net off an assist from Sakura Lopez.
Coast Guard regained the lead in the 61st minute when Bella Brittain converted a free kick, sending the ball over the goalkeeper and off the crossbar. USMMA continued to pressure the Bears throughout the closing minutes and eventually found the equalizer in the 90th minute, with a through ball creating a one-on-one opportunity that resulted in the tying goal.
The match remained competitive statistically, with Coast Guard holding a 15-13 advantage in shots and a 9-6 edge in shots on goal. USMMA goalkeeper made seven saves, while Coast Guard's goalkeeper recorded four saves. The Mariners also held Coast Guard to a single corner-kick advantage, 4-1, as USMMA secured its second consecutive draw to open the season.