Indiana women's soccer ended its three-game homestand with a 1-1 draw against Bellarmine Friday night at Bill Armstrong Stadium.
Indiana had expectations to uphold for their Senior Night. The seniors include: Kennedy Neighbors, Ella Stanley, Paige Droner, Mary Kate Sullivan, Krista Murphy, Piper Coffield and Emma Payton.
The Hoosiers entered Senior Night undefeated after wins against Hampton and Youngstown State. Although IU controlled most of the match, Indiana couldn't sustain its lead after Bellarmine scored a penalty kick in the final minute of regulation.
Indiana came out striking early and aggressively, recording 10 shots in the first half while holding Bellarmine without a shot. After a scoreless 44 minutes, Indiana broke through in the final minute of the half.
The Hoosiers were awarded a penalty kick in the 45th minute after a VAR review. Coffield stepped up and scored on the opportunity for her first goal of the season, giving Indiana a 1-0 lead heading into halftime.
Indiana continued to pressure Bellarmine after the break, keeping the ball in the attacking half and looking for a second goal.
The Hoosiers continued their offensive dominance throughout the second half, finishing the match with 17 shot attempts compared to one from Bellarmine. Indiana recorded nine corner kicks during the match.
Indiana made several substitutions throughout the second half as it looked to maintain its energy and hold onto the lead. Ella Stanley, Sloane May, Amaya Falzarano and Jenna Chatterton entered in the 63rd minute, while other players returned to the field later in the half as the Hoosiers continued to search for another goal.
Bellarmine, however, found its opportunity in the final minute.
After another VAR review, the Knights were awarded a penalty kick for a handball. Ella Flynn converted the penalty in the 90th minute, tying the match at 1-1 and pushing the game into its final moments.
Indiana fell short of reaching its second goal before the final whistle.
The draw moves Indiana to 2-0-1 on the season and gives the Hoosiers their first tie of the year. Despite controlling much of the match and outshooting Bellarmine 17-1, Indiana was unable to hold onto its lead after the Knights' late penalty kick.
The Hoosiers will now hit the road when they travel to Cincinnati, Ohio, to face Xavier on Wednesday, Aug. 26. The match is scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m.
