Whitewater, Wis. – The Saint Benedict soccer team opened the 2013 campaign with a 2-2 tie today (Aug. 31), playing to a draw through two overtimes at Wisconsin-Whitewater.

The preseason WIAC favorite and defending conference champion Warharks were playing catch-up to the Blazers all day, as CSB held the lead twice.

The Blazers got on the board first in just the 19th minute of the game when Peggy Renier was able to slip one past the keeper for the early lead. The Blazers had controlled possession leading up to the goal, including a shot that went just wide from Renier only a minute earlier. 

The Blazers had a pair of corner kicks in leading up to the 1-0 lead, as well as a header from Kaitlyn Lauer that landed on frame, one of seven shots on goal for the Blazers in the match.

The lead would hold up until just before the half, but the Warhawks evened the score heading into the break with a goal in the 43rd minute. 

Coming out of intermission, the Blazers wasted little time in going back on top, as Colleen Bouchard got her first of the year in the 48th minute, putting it in the upper corner from about 20 yards out.

As with their first goal, the Blazers had the pressure on just before, as Grace Vaughn had a shot saved in the first minute of the second half.

This lead, though, wouldn't last as long with the Warharks coming right back down the field to tie the score at 2-2 just a minute later.

The Warhawks kept the pressure on with nine total shots in the second half, as well as five corner kicks.

Rookie goalkeeper Heather Kaluzniak was up to the task, preserving the tie while stopping each of the ensuing shots she saw to earn her first career win.

The Blazer offense was held in check in the two overtime periods, totaling just one shot, but the defense held strong turning away seven Warhawk attempts.

The Blazers return to action tomorrow, taking on Wisconsin-La Crosse on the road in a 3 p.m. match-up.