La Verne, CA - The Oberlin College women's soccer team opened its 2024 season on the West Coast, taking on the University of La Verne late Friday night and earning an improbable, 1-1, draw.

Oberlin was mere seconds away from suffering a season-opening loss, but the team played to the final whistle. With just three seconds left in the match, a foul in the box set up reigning two-time North Coast Athletic Conference Player of the Year Heather Benway for a penalty kick opportunity, which she promptly deposited into the back of the net for her 24th career goal. 

Notwithstanding, the Yeowomen failed to generate much offensive movement throughout the 90-minute affair as they triggered just three shots while earning only one corner kick opportunity. The Leopards controlled the run of play throughout, firing off 21 shots with 13 of those being on frame. They also pressured the Oberlin rearguard into surrendering five corner kicks. 

The Lepoards' lone goal of the game came shortly before the halftime horn when Megan Llopis snuck one into the lower right corner of the net with the help of an Alyssa Marquez feed. 

Junior goalie Ali Grant did all she could to keep Oberlin within striking distance, making a career-high 12 saves, and her efforts loom large in the end to give Benway a chance at finding the equalizer with just three ticks left on the clock. 

Oberlin's two shot attempts during the course of play in the game came courtesy of first-years Averi Williams and Lauren Roche. 

Oberlin will look to find its footing on Sunday when it concludes its California swing with a matinee at Chapman University. The first touch is set for 5 p.m. ET.