DETROIT, Mich. — Oakland played to a 2-2 draw with the University of Detroit Mercy on Wednesday at Titan Field, getting the result they needed to officially secure a spot in the Horizon League Championship Tournament for the first time since 2022.

The first half started with Oakland on the attack, as Mallory Anderson attempted a shot just over a minute into play. Oakland found momentum early, breaking the deadlock in the 20th minute when Isabella Bierod scored, assisted by Alli Leonard, to put the visitors ahead 1-0. This marked Bierod's second consecutive match with a goal, making her impact at the best time of the season.

Detroit Mercy responded with sustained pressure, leading to several corner kicks and shots. Their persistence paid off in the 37th minute when Soraya Puerto-Khalil equalized, assisted by Kiely Robinson. The half concluded with the score level at 1-1.

The second half began with a significant momentum shift as Oakland took the lead in the 47th minute. Anuhea Aluli scored with an assist from Brae Cole, bringing the score to 2-1 in favor of Oakland. Despite Oakland's attempts to extend their lead, including shots by Anderson and Kimee Liu, the Titans' defense held strong.

The Titans equalized in the 84th minute with a goal from Leila Lanier, assisted by Abbey Lodato, tying the game at 2-2, where the score would remain to end the match.

Bierod scored a goal on her only shot attempt. Aluli also found the back of the net, converting one of her two shots into a goal. Cole provided an assist, adding to her season total of two assists, tied for most on the team. 

With Robert Morris suffering a loss to Youngstown State, Oakland stamps their spot in the postseason just two years in an act of revenge, just two years after the Titans knocked Oakland out of playoff position in the 2023 season finale.

The Golden Grizzlies will travel to Youngstown State on Sunday, Nov. 2 to take on the Penguins in the opening Horizon League Championship Quarterfinal match at 1 p.m.