SIOUX FALLS – With a goal by senior Alexa D'Acunto in the final 20 seconds of regulation, the University of Sioux Falls Soccer Team (2-5-2, 2-3-1 NSIC) dramatically picked up a 2-2 double overtime tie with University of Mary (1-4-2, 1-3-1 NSIC) in NSIC play at the USF Soccer Field on a sunny and windless Saturday afternoon.

The Cougars trailed 1-0 at halftime but scored two second half goals to draw even with the Marauders, who grabbed a late lead which was squelched by D'Acunto's heroics.

While U-Mary held a 24-9 advantage in shots, USF had some timely plays to keep the score even. U-Mary's Lisa Swardh opened the scoring with a header into the goal at 24:16 of the first half off an assist from Megan Searson on a corner kick.

At the 51:54 mark, USF drew even when sophomore forward Chessa Novotny, who had three shots on the day, scored on a deflected cross by D'Acunto for a 1-1 tie.

U-Mary took a 2-1 lead at the 70:02 mark when Jade Smith scored off an assist from Season, who had two assists on the day.  

Things looked dim for USF, who continued to press the action which resulted in the tying score. Off an assist from junior Alexandria Scott, D'Acunto put in the tying goal at the 89:43 mark on a header off a deflection following Scott's serve into the box. Neither team was able to score in overtime as the match ended in a tie.

USF sophomore goalie Morgan Perkins had a solid day with nine saves in 110 minutes of play. Hannah Smith of U-Mary was also effective with three saves in 110 minutes of work. U-Mary had a 6-2 edge in corner backs. Swardh, Michelle McGeary and Season both had a game-high five shots with Swardh having four shots on goal. Of USF's nine shots, five were shots on goal.

Next for USF will be a match on Sunday against Minot State starting at 1 p.m. at the USF Soccer Complex.