WAUKESHA, Wis. – The Carroll University women's soccer team answered a pair of Carthage goals Wednesday night, including a second-half equalizer from Madison Milhaupt, to earn a 2-2 draw at Schneider Stadium. The result moved the Pioneers to 3-5-8 overall and 2-2-2 in CCIW play.
Carroll struck first in the 26th minute. After Carmella Nowak put the Pioneers' first shot of the evening on frame, Gabby Courtois found the back of the net less than 30 seconds later off an assist from Nowak off a corner kick. The goal was Courtois' first of the season and gave Carroll an early 1-0 advantage.
Carthage pulled even in the 36th minute when Georggia Desario scored off an assist from Haley Linden, sending the match into halftime tied at one. The Firebirds held a 6-2 advantage in shots during the opening 45 minutes, while both of Carroll's attempts were on target.
The visitors moved in front shortly after the break, as Ruby Hillegass scored in the 49th minute to give Carthage a 2-1 lead. Carroll responded by increasing the pressure offensively, earning three second-half corner kicks and generating five shots after halftime.
That pressure paid off in the 78th minute. Nowak picked up her second assist of the night, this time off of a free kick, when Milhaupt scored her second goal of the season, bringing the Pioneers level at 2-2 with just under 13 minutes remaining.
The Pioneers continued searching for the go-ahead goal, with Ellie Patrickus and Nowak each recording attempts over the final 13 minutes, but neither side was able to break the deadlock before the final whistle.
Carroll finished with seven shots, three on goal and five corner kicks. Nowak led the attack with four shots and assisted on both Pioneer goals, while Ava Lewandowski made three saves in goal.
The Pioneers will return to action this Saturday as they hit the road to take on Elmhurst at 1pm.
