STILLWATER, Okla. — A stout defense and a timely goal powered Sam Houston to a 1-1 draw against Oklahoma State in the season opener Wednesday night at Neal Patterson Stadium.
The Bearkats picked up where they left off defensively last season, making big plays to hold a relentless Cowgirl attack to one early goal in the 12th minute. Goalkeeper Hannah Stipp turned in a solid performance in her Bearkat debut, making seven saves while playing all 90 minutes to earn the draw.
Sam Houston was limited in its scoring opportunities Wednesday but took full advantage of a foul by its Big 12 opponent late in the opening half.
Ellie Morgan was pushed from behind while trying to receive a pass at the top of the box, setting up a free kick for the Bearkats. Gabrielle Gipson lined the shot perfectly over the defensive wall and into the lower-right corner of the net to knot the match at 1-1 in the 39th minute.
Sam Houston will hit the road again Sunday for a 7 p.m. match against Lamar in Beaumont.
