COLUMBIA, S.C. - CIU women's soccer took the short trip to Younts Stadium, on the campus of Columbia College (S.C.), for a midweek conference showdown. Wednesday night's contest between CIU and Columbia College was pivotal as each team continues to battle through the rugged Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) schedule. 

Before the contest, each team sat in the middle of the pack with a 3-2 record versus AAC opponents thus far. The winner would position themselves well as they enter the back portion of the regular season. 

After a slow start in the first frame of action, where CIU took just one shot, the Rams ramped up the offensive intensity in the second half, scoring in the 57' minute. However, the Koalas put in the equalizer in the 82' minute forcing a draw at Younts Stadium. 

Scoring Summary: 
CIU had a difficult time producing scoring chances in the first period. The Ram's first and only shot came from Mercy Beremeyer inside the 10' minute mark. Fortunately, CIU's defense held up against a persistent Koalas offense that took seven shots in the first half. Fortunately for the Rams, none resulted in goals as neither team found the net in the first frame.

CIU looked to be more aggressive in the second period, as they produced more goal-scoring opportunities. CIU's leading goal scorer Arianna Elliott struck first blood in the 57' minute giving the Rams an early second-half advantage. The Rams looked like they might escape with a 1-0 win on the road; however, Jayla Pugh put in the tying goal for the Koalas with under nine minutes remaining in the final frame. Columbia College fired three more shots before time expired, but CIU managed to come out unscathed in the remaining time, forcing a draw. 

Despite the draw, the Koalas outshot the Rams 19-7. Arianna Elliott leads the team in goals scored this season with five. Julianna Bost got the start in goal for the Rams after appearing in her first game at keeper this season Saturday against Bluefield (Va.). Bost had an impressive outing, recording three saves. 

Up Next: 
CIU will travel to Milligan (Tenn.) on Saturday, Oct. 8. First kick is set for 3 PM.