MARYVILLE,  Mo. – The Northwest Missouri State University women's soccer squad held their ground in a hard-fought 1-1 draw against the No. 2 ranked Grand Valley State University Lakers. 
 
The Bearcats (1-1-2) struck first in the 14th minute when Ximena Arnau fired an unassisted goal, putting Northwest ahead 1-0. However, the Lakers (2-0-1) responded swiftly, equalizing just three minutes later with a goal from Allie French in the 17th minute, making it 1-1 at halftime.
 
Despite being outshot 9-4 in the first half, Northwest's defense, led by goalkeeper Lily Ellis, stood strong. Ellis made five crucial first-half saves, fending off a relentless Lakers attack that saw six of their shots on target from four different players.
 
In the second half, the Bearcats generated more offense, recording four shots (three on goal), but the Lakers continued to press, tallying 22 total shots (13 on target) throughout the match. Ellis finished with 12 saves, bringing her career total to 181—securing her spot as the sixth-best Bearcat in career saves.
 
The 1-1 draw marks the first of the season for the Lakers and the second for Northwest, as both teams fought until the final whistle.
 
Career Saves
1. 394 - Kelsey Adams, 2010-13
2. 339 - Kathie Leach, 1999-01
3. 306 - Alison Sheridan, 2003-06
4. 204 - Ashley Malloy, 2014-17
5. 196 - Kira Lazenby, 2008-09
6. 181 – Lily Ellis, 2022-pres. 
7. 174 - Alexis Serna Castillo, 2018-21
8. 156 - Michelle Goold, 2002, 04-05
9. 108 - Danielle Lawless, 2001-03
10. 77 - Ashley Williams, 2020-21
 
Northwest will defend its home pitch with another ranked matchup with No. 15 Minnesota State on Sunday, Sept. 15 at 1 p.m.