ST. LOUIS – The University of Missouri-St. Louis women's soccer team began defense of its Great Lakes Valley Conference title drawing with Drury 1-1 in the GLVC opener for both squads at Don Dallas Field on Sunday afternoon. The Tritons are 1-2-1, 0-0-1 GLVC while the Panthers are 1-1-1, 0-0-1 GLVC.

Drury had the game's first decent scoring chance as UMSL committed just outside of its penalty area giving the Panthers a free kick. Elena Perez took the free kick and scored from 20 yards out curling it inside the left post for her first goal of the season.

Drury had a chance to extend its lead less than five minutes later but Holland Hawkins shot was saved by Rylee Griffith.

The Tritons had a series of shots putting three on target in the span of 1:12 but couldn't beat Katy Fitzler. UMSL tied it in the 37th minute. Madi Riege drove down the left side of the box and took a shot but it was blocked by a defender Natalie Scott was there for the rebound beating Fitzler to the upper right corner for her first goal of the season.

The Tritons outshot the Panthers 9-4 including 4-3 in shots on goal in the first half.

UMSL had two chances early in the second half to take the lead but both Rachel Skyberg and Taylor Martin were denied by Fitzler. The Tritons had another chance later in the half as Avery Hesseldenz put a shot on goal but Fitzler was there for the save.

Drury's best chance to retake the lead came moments after Hesseldenz's attempt as Reagan Hegarty put a shot on frame but Griffith was there to make one of her four saves in the contest.

UMSL finished the game outshooting the Panthers 21-9 including 7-5 in shots on goal. Skyberg, Josie Maddox and Ella Anselm had three shots apiece for the Tritons.

UMSL continues its six-game homestand on Friday (Sept. 19) hosting Rockhurst at 5 p.m. at Don Dallas Field.