LEBANON, Ill. – The Saginaw Valley State University women's soccer team went on the road to McKendree University Sunday afternoon and battled to a 1-1 draw at Leemon Field.

The Cardinals (0-1-1) struck first just before halftime. In the 43rd minute, Madi Bajis (Macomb, Mich. / Utica HS) finished from inside the box off a setup by Abby Ellis (Waterford, Mich. / Waterford Mott HS), giving the visitors a 1-0 lead. It was the first goal of the season for Bajis and the first collegiate point for Ellis.

McKendree equalized in the 58th minute on a penalty kick. From there, both teams created chances, but neither could break the deadlock.

SVSU generated 11 shots with seven on frame, including two each from Bajis and Lauryn Fracassi (Grandville, Mich. / Grandville HS). Rileigh Garbarz (Pinckney, Mich. / Father Gabriel Richard HS), Ryleigh Gray (Belle River, Ontario / E.J. Lajeunesse), Kaley Douglass (Williamston, Mich. / Williamston HS), and Brie Clasen (Naperville, Ill. / Neuqua Valley HS) each added shots on target.

In net, senior goalkeeper Lainey Garbarz (Pinckney, Mich. / Father Gabriel Richard HS) made four saves, including three in the second half to preserve the draw.

The match was physical throughout, with 33 fouls and five yellow cards handed out between the two sides.

Up Next: Saginaw Valley travels to take on Walsh University on Friday, September 12. Kickoff is set for 4:00 PM EDT from Larry Staudt Field in North Canton, Ohio.