MERCED - Wednesday's game concluded in a draw with a score of 1-1 between the Bobcats and Banana Slugs.  In two overtime periods, neither team could pull out the win, resulting in a draw, Santa Cruz's (1-1-1) first this season.

Merced (1-1-1) took the lead within the first ten minutes with a goal from far out by senior forward Kimberley Garcia, assisted by Maddie Door. 

The UC Santa Cruz women do not have a reputation of giving up easily however. Following UC Merced's goal the Slugs came back in the second half at the 52 minute mark with a goal from freshman midfielder Amanda Scott. She showed her skill as she headed the ball into the net off of a cross from junior forward Celine Ertekin. These young Slugs were able to put the UCSC women in a fighting position for the win.
 This was the first goal of the season and at Santa Cruz for new Slug Scott and first assist of the season for returner Ertekin. 

Overall Santa Cruz had 8 close calls on the goal and Merced had 7. Katie Herm and Bronwyn Eyre both had a couple shots on goal keeping UC Merced's defense alert and the game competitive. Julia Hernandez had the last shot in with under a minute in regulation but was off target. There were 8 corner kicks and 24 fouls, 16 of them committed by the UC Merced women. 

The Banana Slugs return to Division III competition and face two schools who made the 2019 NCAA Tournament, beginning with Claremont-Mudd-Scripps at home on Saturday.