Box Score CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Queens University of Charlotte women's soccer team (4-1-1) fought hard in a 0-0 draw with Tusculum College (1-3-2) this evening at the Queens Sports Complex.
 
The first half was a back and forth battle in the midfield, as both teams, struggling to get into a groove early, would gain possession and subsequently lose it.
 
Finally after 15 minutes, Queens was able to force a corner kick, but the effort went well wide and was sent behind the net.
 
The Royals would not have to wait long for another opportunity, as Tusculum made a mistake inside the box, giving Queens a penalty kick. There was little objection from the opposing team, and freshman Caitlyn Rodrigues stepped up to the spot. Looking to continue her goal scoring hot streak, Rodrigues chose to go hard and low to the right hand corner, but Tusculum's keeper, Marissa Williams, guessed perfectly and dove in perfect time to make a routine save.
 
Queens' best chance of the match was not converted, but the pressure continued.  As the clock ticked into the 30th minute, Head Coach Katie Talbert brought on Brenna Kate Grass to roam the left sideline and bring pressure on the Pioneers defense. Grass was effective from the moment she was brought in, terrorizing the Tusculum right back.
 
Eight minutes into her substitution, the 38th minute, Queens got their second best opportunity of the match, as Sydney Michelin and Cassandra Nelson linked up on the right end line, crossing the ball near the six yard box. Grass got on the end of it perfectly, but the contact she made hit the post. It would be the last true opportunity for either team in the match.
 
The second half presented few opportunities for either team, as it was a physical match throughout, making it tough to link more than a few passes together before the defensive presence by either team was known.
 
As regular time ended, both teams went into the extra time period with hopes of a winner. Golden goal overtime was upon both teams, but neither was able to capitalize, as the best opportunity came in the first period to the Royals' Caitlyn Rodrigues.
 
Tusculum was ranked third in the pre-season conference poll and considered one of the prime candidates to win the conference, so a point for the Royals, even though a win was at their fingertips, was well received.
 
Queens will play at Brevard this Saturday for their second conference game, and will be back at Dickson Field next Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. to take on Anderson.