(Kansas City, Mo.) - Friday night, the UMKC women's soccer team (2-2-2) battled all the way to the end and settled for a 1-1 tie with the Saint Louis Billikens (1-2-2) to open the UMKC Tournament.

In the first half, no score, the Billikens took a 1-0 lead in the 37th minute when midfielder Jamei Borges (2) controlled the ball deep in Kangaroo territory and fired it past keeper Nina Tzianos for the goal.

At the half, Saint Louis maintained its 1-0 as it out-shot Kansas City, 5-2. Forward Taylor Bare and midfielder Hunter Wagoner registered both, but were denied by keeper Katie Walsh.

Later, same score, the Kangaroos found themselves deep in Billiken territory in the 84th minute. Kansas City took advantage and tied the game when midfielder Alyssa Elver found midfielder Ashley Gann (1) open in the front of the net for the goal.

As the second half continued, UMKC's defense held Saint Louis to one shot in the second half, including a save by Tzianos to keep it a 1-1 contest as the game went into overtime.

In the first overtime, both defenses made it hard for either to muster up any offensive opportunities as neither squad was able to break the tie.

But in the second overtime, the Kangaroos had a couple of opportunities with the ball in the Billikens zone, including a shot by defender Sarah Shaughnessy. Yet, Saint Louis held steady as the both teams settled for a tie.

"I thought it was a really good game," said head coach Chris Cissell. "Saint Louis University is a really good team and we wanted to take care of business tonight to start our tournament off with a win."

Coming up, the Blue & Gold will face Tulsa (4-2) on Sunday at 2 p.m. to complete the UMKC Tournament. Earlier in the evening, the Golden Hurricane fell 1-0 to Florida Gulf Coast (4-1-1).

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