OWINGS MILLS, Md. - The freshman duo of Lauren Spivey and Isabella Ekeze connected for the game-tying goal but it was the Mustangs defense that held strong as the Stevenson women's soccer team battled No. 1 Messiah to a 1-1 draw in double overtime Wednesday night at Mustang Stadium.

With the tie, the Mustangs (5-5-4, 3-0-1 MAC) and Falcons remain in a two-way tie atop the conference standings as neither team has dropped a game in four conference contests.

Stevenson recorded the first shot of the game as senior Jamie Matlock was able to get space at the top of the box but her shot near post was deflected away by Audra Larson.

In the 29th minute, the Falcons (13-0-1, 3-0-1 MAC) were awarded a corner kick which slipped passed the hands of goalie Tiffany McKee. However, senior Kaylie Yapps and the Mustangs defense were able to keep the ball from crossing the goal line.

Just two minutes later, Holly Bugard was alone on a breakway but McKee came off her line to deflect the long shot away for one of her two first half saves.

Following a throw-in the 55th minute, Nikki Elsaesser collected the ball, turned and fired home her 16th goal of the season while falling over and a defender on her hip. Elsaesser, an All-American Second Team selection a season ago, leads the league in goals this season.

Messiah nearly added a second goal in the 64th minute but Yapps came up with another big defensive save, clearing the ball out of the box.

The Mustangs scored the equalizer in the 73rd minute as Ekeze found Spivey on a short cross in the six-yard box. The defense and the goalie committed to the ball leaving Spivey wide open on the back post. Freshmen have combined for 12 goals this season.

The goal was the first in five all-time meetings that Stevenson has scored against the five-time National Champions 13-time Commonwealth Conference champions. It is also just the third goal give up by Messiah in 14 contests this season.

The Mustangs held possession for most of the overtime, outshooting the Falcons 4-1 in extra time, but Messiah nearly sent home the game-winner with one minute remaining. After McKee came out to contest a shot, the ball sat loose in the box but freshman Shannon Ogrysko cleared the ball away.

Stevenson outshot the Falcons 10-8 while Messiah held a 7-4 advantage in corner kicks.

McKee finished with four saves, one shy of her career-high set on September 13 versus Misericordia. Larson totaled two for Messiah.

The Mustangs look to remain unbeaten in the conference when they travel to face Albright on Tuesday, October 21 beginning at 7:00 p.m.