Photo by Jen Mower

(NORTH CANTON, Ohio) – It was a spectacular debut for the Walsh women's soccer team as it took a draw with nationally ranked No. 21 Gannon 4-4 at Milazzo Field Thursday evening. The Cavaliers and Golden Knights opened up the season with each other for a second consecutive year and went neck-and-neck for 110 minutes.

Two players, one from each team, stole the show as each recorded a hat trick. For Walsh, it was freshman forward Olivia Peters who made her debut in style with the three scores. Opposite of her was Gannon's Nicole Felice who equaled the feat.

Walsh's first goal came by way of Corynne Swift on an assist from Brianna Sanborn, another freshman with an impressive night as she tallied three assists. That score put the Cavs up 1-0 just eight minutes into the game.

Gannon equalized in the 27th minute as Felice scored her first. It didn't take Walsh long to answer as Peters found the back of the net just over four minutes later to give the Cavs a 2-1 lead that they held through halftime.

Felice score again for the Knights in the 60th minute to tie the game at 2-2 and started an offensive outburst between the two teams that saw three goals scored in 1:43. Peters once again put the Cavs ahead 3-2. Felice then completed her hat trick and tied the game at 3-3 at 61:33.

Peters found the back of the net for her hat trick goal on Sanborn's third assist of the night at 77:52, but Gannon was able to find a loose ball in front of the net in the 85th minute to set the final score.

The Knights had the majority of the opportunities in overtime, but Cavs' goalkeeper Mickey McClanahan made two saves in both extra periods. She made 10 saves overall in her debut.

Walsh will now focus on Wheeling Jesuit who visits North Canton for another non-conference affair on Saturday. Kick-off is scheduled for 5 p.m.