The Valparaiso women’s soccer team played to a 1-1 draw with Grand Canyon in Phoenix, Ariz. on Friday night, as redshirt freshman Vanesa Abad (Barrington, Ill./Lake Zurich [Ohio State]) found the back of the net for her first career goal in the 63^rd minute.

After a relatively even first half, the Crusaders ramped up their effort offensively on the Antelopes in the second half, registering 11 total shot attempts, six of which were on goal.  Valpo would finally break through with the game’s first goal in the 63^rd minute.  Sophomore Robin Wenzel (Woodstock, Ill./Marian Central Catholic) took a shot which rang off the post and caromed back out to Abad, who tucked it away to put the Crusaders on top.

Unfortunately for the Crusaders, the lead would last just 11 minutes, as Grand Canyon was awarded a penalty kick and Maria Monterroso converted from the spot to even the match at 1-1.  The Crusaders put a pair of shots on goal late in the second period, but both were saved, and despite out-shooting the Antelopes 6-1 in extra time, Valpo was unable to find the match-winner.

“We did a lot of nice things tonight,” said Crusader head coach John Marovich.  “The goal was a great goal on a counter and service from the end line.  The penalty was unfortunate, but the way we handled Grand Canyon’s pressure in the second half and overtime was nice to see.  We got 10 shots on goal tonight, and now it comes down to the final touch.  I liked how we moved the ball in the second half – the progress was good and we were able to create more chances.”

For the match, the Crusaders out-shot Grand Canyon (0-2-1) by a 22-11 margin and put 10 shots on goal.  Sydney Galvez-Daley (Chicago, Ill./Fenwick [Creighton]) made three saves in the draw, while GCU goalkeeper Blakely Fraasch stopped nine shots.

Valparaiso (0-1-2) concludes its Arizona trip with a game Sunday afternoon at Northern Arizona.  Kickoff is set for 2 p.m. CT, with live stats available through ValpoAthletics.com.