BOSTON, Mass. –
Baylee DeSmit opened the scoring in the 30th minute, and several big defensive efforts late in double-overtime helped Loyola University Maryland pick up a key 1-1 draw at first-place Boston University on Saturday afternoon.
With the point, the Greyhounds (7-5-4, 4-1-3 PL) are officially back in the Patriot League tournament for a third-consecutive season. They are currently in third place in the standings, two back of the Terriers (9-5-3, 5-1-2 PL) and one behind Navy (10-5-3, 5-2-1 PL) heading into Wednesday's regular season finale at American.
Loyola's backline came up big in the closing minutes to secure the tie.
Nicole Rivas and
Jess Korman made back-to-back team saves in the 107th minute, and
Paige Sim made a diving stop to her left with 45 seconds remaining to keep Boston U off the scoreboard.
DeSmit's opener came on the first shot of the game for the Greyhounds. She gained possession in the defensive end, raced all the way into the opposing box and sent a low effort into the left corner to put the visitors in front. DeSmit has scored in consecutive games after providing the game-winner last weekend vs. Lehigh, and she now leads the team with nine points (4 G, 1 A) on the year.
The Terriers were able to equalize six minutes after DeSmit's strike when Morgan Fagan snuck a shot into the right corner with 9:29 remaining before halftime.
Boston U had a 10-3 shot advantage in the second half, but only three of those efforts required a save from Sim. The junior netminder had five stops overall on the afternoon, as she held a conference opponent to one goal or fewer for a 24th time in 25 career games.
DeSmit had three of Loyola's five shots on goal in the contest, including a pair of attempts in overtime which forced saves from Gretchen Bennett in goal. The Greyhounds have now earned a point in each of their last two trips to Boston.
Playoff positioning will be on the line during Loyola's regular season finale at American, which takes place at 12 p.m. on Wednesday afternoon. The Patriot League quarterfinals will take place on Sunday, Oct. 31, while the top two teams in the standings receive a bye to the semifinal round on Thursday, Nov. 4.
