CCU women's soccer kicked off their 2015 campaign Friday, playing nearly 1,800 miles away from Lakewood to start the season. On the campus of Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, FL, Colorado Christian battled a gritty and senior-laden EC Triton team for 90 minutes. The squads settled for a tie in the non-conference match-up, wrapping regulation and competition locked at 1-1. The result proved satisfying for the Cougar squad, who seemed out-matched at the onset against an Eckerd team that boasts 13 seniors and eight returning starters. The Tritons won eight contests in 2014 (8-8-1), compared to a 5-12-3 mark for Colorado Christian last year.

Coaching in her first game back after a three-year hiatus, Head Coach Tammy McPherson's wait for play became a little longer than anticipated when a lightning delay pushed the contest's start time back two hours. Fortunately, as they say, good things come to those who wait.
 
Playing a balanced game that featured a more aggressive attack than Cougar fans ever witnessed in 2014, CCU's young squad hung with Eckerd through the first 45 – and took a 0-0 tie into the half-time break.
 
The home Tritons made things more interesting in the second, as Eckerd forward Monique Elliot connected on a centering pass from Alice Wader in the game's 58^th minute. The shot – through the upper middle and just out of keeper Shaya Lawrence's reach – put the host team up 1-0.
 
The Cougars would respond 25 minutes later. Thanks to a nifty Meghan Troupe cross from the left side, sophomore Sheridan Spelman scored for the tie with just 6:50 remaining on the clock.
 
Neither squad would score again, assuring a draw in the no-overtime non-conference contest.
 
CCU goalie Lawrence wrapped the contest with five saves, keeping Christian in the game despite a barrage of shots from the Tritons. Eckerd's offense out-shot the Cougars 14-5.

"I was excited to be back on the CCU sidelines today," remarked McPherson after the game. "This was a great effort and result, especially considering the opponent, the weather, and the fact that it was a road game and the first of the year."

Another contest awaits the Cougars on this Florida trip – they'll take on St. Leo University on Monday at 11am MST.