ROCHESTER, Mich. - The Golden Grizzlies opened up their play at home with a neck-and-neck contest against Valparaiso, playing to a 1-1 draw.

Oakland maintained pressure with several shots on goal early, including attempts by Ella Shapiro, Bailey Giddings, and Brae Cole in the first half.

Despite a four to one shot advantage for the Golden Grizzlies in the opening half, the match remained tied after the first 45 minutes of play.

The second half began with the Golden Grizzlies applying pressure early, highlighted by a corner kick in the 49th minute. However, Valparaiso took the lead with a penalty kick goal by Molly O'Rear in the 61st minute. In a chippy, high-intensity match Oakland would respond with a penalty kick of their own, looking to Cole as she scored her first career goal and the equalizer in the 71st minute, leveling the score.

The Golden Grizzlies made a push in the final minutes as Mia Tuka had a notable shot on goal, along with a deep run by Shannon Brown that nearly resulted in a shot, but neither team found a way to tack on another score, ending the match in a tie.

Cole led the home team with her goal, along with two shots on goal. Kimee Liu contributed with two shots as well. Giddings provided offensive efforts with one shot on goal from her single attempt.

Oakland outshot Valpo 10 to six, including a five to one shot on goal advantage in an impressive offensive performance from the Golden Grizzlies.

The next challenge for Oakland arrives on Thursday, August 21 at 7 p.m.  when they host Mercyhurst University.