COLUMBIA, Mo. — The Stephens College soccer team played its third home match of the season Thursday night, settling for a 1-1 draw with the University of Saint Mary. It marked the Stars' second tie of the year.

The Stars (0-3-2) are still in search of their first win, while the Spires (2-2-1) earned their first tie this season.

Saint Mary controlled possession early, registering its first shot two minutes into the match when the Spires rattled the crossbar with a powerful strike.

Despite relentless offensive pressure from the Spires, the Stars' backline held firm until the 35th minute, when Saint Mary broke the deadlock to gain the lead 1-0 heading into halftime. 

Stephens made adjustments during the break and pressed forward in search of an equalizer. In the 85th minute, Carsyn Osborn found the back of the net for the Stars, capitalizing on a miscue from Spires goalkeeper, who mishandled a corner kick, allowing Osborn to slot home her first goal of the season.

Both teams pressed for a decisive goal in the closing minutes, but neither was able to find a breakthrough.

The Stars' defense was instrumental throughout the match, limiting the Spires' clear scoring chances. Stephens will now turn its attention to Friday, Sept. 13, when it faces Blackburn College on the road at 4:30 p.m.