TAHLEQUAH – Hayley Garcia scored her first goal in over a season but a penalty kick goal by Ouachita Baptist 73rd minute handed Northeastern State a 1-1 draw in their season opener Friday evening.
Garcia found the open net in the 16th minute on a pass from Kamari Jefferson. The goal is the third for the senior from Tulsa.
The RiverHawks had a seven-to-four edge on the Tigers with the second 45 minutes being near even. Ouachita, a preseason pick to win its conference, broke a 12-game win streak for Northeastern State and played to its first draw since 2010.
Josie Jarvis paced NSU with three shots in her season debut, and Rebecca Partyka had three saves.
The RiverHawks return to the field at 2 p.m. on Sunday where they will travel to Harding.
