MONROE, La. – Texas State had multiple chances to put away ULM in the Sun Belt Conference opener Saturday night. However, the match ended in a 1-1 draw at Brown Stadium.
 
With the result, the Bobcats are now 3-2-3 overall and the Warhawks are 5-2-1 on the season while both teams are 0-0-1 in conference play.
 
"It's difficult heading home with a tie because we certainly played well enough to win. I thought we created a lot of quality chances in the second half and their keeper came up big on several occasions," said head coach Steve Holeman. "We played well and competed right up to the final whistle. I am proud of the team's effort but now we need to regroup and get ready for the next one."
 
TXST outshot the hosts 13-9 with a team-high three attempts taken by Victoria Meza and Alexis Montgomery. Also taking multiple shots with two was Helen Alormenu.
 
Brooklyn Escobar made four saves on the night with two apiece in each half.
 
The Warhawks struck first early in the 17th minute when Leane Commaret headed in a corner at the back post.
 
Early in the 27th minute, Mady Soumare got to the six-yard box and had her shot blocked. A scrum followed but the ball was cleared away.
 
Five minutes into the second half, Matsuri Tsutsui sent in a corner kick form the right flag. Meza ran in unmarked and knocked the ball just inside the left post to knot the match at 1-1.
 
A free kick early in the 71st minute, Tsutsui sent in a free kick into the box. Alormenu brought the ball down and was knocked down from behind to draw a penalty kick. However, the sophomore midfielder sent the spot kick wide that kept the match level.
 
With just over two minutes left on the clock, Alexis Neal sent a cross in from the right side to the back post. Kennley Bradley ran on and headed the ball towards frame but Jen Handy made a jumping catch to keep the contest tied.
 
Meza had a chance to find the back of the net again but her attempt aimed at the left post was again stopped by Handy.
 
Next up for the Bobcats is a trip to the Peach State to take on Georgia Southern on Thursday for a 6 p.m. CT kickoff.
 
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