CHARLESTON, Ill. - The Indiana State University women's soccer team was able to withstand a barrage of shots from the Eastern Illinois University Panthers to pick up a 1-1 draw at Lakeside Field in Charleston, Ill.

For the game, the Panthers (2-1-1) took 28 shots but only seven of them were on goal.  Indiana State (0-3-1), however, was able to amass 17 shots with 11 being on goal.

The Sycamores took their first lead of the season on Friday night, when sophomore Alison Gasparovich was able to place the ball into the back of the net following a scramble for the ball in front of the Eastern Illinois goal.  Senior Katlin Owens picked up an assist on the goal, her first this season.

The goal was the first of the season for Gasparovich, who was named to the Preseason All-Missouri Valley Conference First Team.  During her freshman campaign last season, Gasparovich led the Sycamores in both shots and shots on goal.

"At times tonight, we dominated the possession which was great to see," said head coach Erika True.  "I'm still seeing a lot of potential from the team as they keep getting better."

Eastern Illinois would come back to tie the game before halftime, when this time a scramble in front of the Indiana State goal led to Alexis Miller giving the Panthers their only goal of the night.

After 45 minutes, Eastern Illinois led the Sycamores in shots by a 10-8 margin, but Indiana State posted five shots on goal, compared to just two for the Panthers.

The second 45 minutes saw both Indiana State and Eastern Illinois come out scoreless.  The Panthers held a wide advantage in shots and corner kicks after regulation, having 22 shots and 11 corners.  After 90 minutes, Indiana State posted 13 shots and two corner kicks.  The Sycamores did make better use of their shooting opportunities, as they totaled eight shots on goal during regulation, compared to just four for EIU.

For the game, four Sycamores tallied a pair of shots on goal against the Panthers, as senior Erin Bianchi and sophomores Gasparovich, Seyma Erenli and Laura Terry all totaled two each.  Sophomore Emily Lahay played the entire game in goal, stopping six shots and allowing one goal.

This match wraps up Indiana State's four games in four states road swing to begin the season.  The Sycamores will now return home for a three-game homestand, beginning on Sunday at 2:00 p.m. when ISU will host in-state rival IUPUI.

"The team will be chomping at the bit to get back on the field against IUPUI," said head coach True.  "We always want to play well against our in-state rivals."

The soccer team will be hosting Parents Weekend this weekend, with many of the student-athletes' parents in town for both the Eastern Illinois and IUPUI games.

"After 110 minutes tonight, Saturday will be a rest and recovery day for the team," said head coach True,  "but it was great to see so many family members here supporting the team."