AVE MARIA, Fla. – The Saint Leo University Women's soccer team generated many opportunities in a contest that saw both sides capitalized on scoring chances, but the Lions were unable to convert on a few, critical opportunities in the final minutes of the match, resulting in a 3-3 draw with Ave Maria Wednesday night at Gyrene Field.
 
Saint Leo (2-0-1) won the shot count, outshooting the Gyrenes (0-2-2) by a margin of 18-12.  Senior Forward Alex Coolighan led all players in shot attempts, tallying a third of the Green & Gold's total, with three landing on target.  Senior Goalkeeper Maitane Bravo recorded three saves off six shots faced.
 
After conceding the first goal, the Lions scored the equalizing goal in the 35th minute courtesy of Coolighan, as the Life University transfer worked around a Gyrene defender to finish in an open corner in the lower left net.  Five minutes later, the Green & Gold would seize the lead, as Senior Midfielder Nina Mueller capitalized off a free kick that bounced off the gloves of AMU Goalkeeper Maddie Samuelson to give the Lions a 2-1 lead heading into intermission.
 
Once again, the Saint Leo defense limited its opposition's chances in the second half, allowing just two shots.  Unfortunately for the Lions, that was all the Holy Queen's team needed to notch up the score line.
 
After the Gyrenes tied the match 2-2, Senior Midfielder Alexa Guido took the ball a third of the pitch and punched in the go-ahead goal to give Saint Leo a 3-2 lead.
 
The lead would not last long, as Ave Maria would tie the game 3-3 in the 59th minute.
 
In the final minutes of the contest, the Lions had two chances to post the game-winning goal.  Saint Leo's attack came driving down the pitch in the 89th minute, but a finishing shot by Coolighan went just above the crossbar.  Moments later, Junior Defender Bella Arato's free kick was just out of the reach of Coolighan, allowing Samuelson to punch the ball out of the zone to regroup and save a shot made by Freshman Lena Borges to allow the Gyrenes to survive the 3-3 draw.
 
Lions by the Numbers
2:          Corner kicks
3:          Goals scored
10:        Lions registering shots
11:        Total shots on goal
18:        Total shots
 
Saint Leo returns home Friday to host Minnesota State Moorhead for a 7 p.m. kickoff time.
For the latest news, updates, and information on Saint Leo Women's soccer, visit SaintLeoLions.com. Fans can also stay up-to-date on the latest Lions news by following Saint Leo Athletics on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.