For the second time in five days, UW-Stevens Point went toe-to-toe with a nationally ranked women's soccer opponent, earning a 2-2 draw with 18th-ranked University of Chicago on Thursday at the Pointer Soccer Bowl.

The Pointers scored goals in the closing minutes of the first half and opening minutes of the second half to hold a 2-1 lead before the Maroons notched the equalizer with less than 14 minutes remaining. The teams battled through two scoreless overtime periods for the first tie in the 14-match history of the non-conference series.

UW-Stevens Point, now 1-1-1 overall, also had a hard-fought match on Sunday with seventh-ranked Trinity (Tex.), losing 1-0.

Thursday's match was evenly played for nearly the entire first half before the Maroons scored the first goal in the 34th minute as Pointers' goalie Meredith DeCaluwe (Naperville, IL/Central) came out of the goal to challenge Chicago forward Melissa Plesac on a breakaway. Plesac was able to avoid the keeper and chip the ball into the open net for the first goal.

UW-Stevens Point evened the match as Amanda Prawat (Oregon/Oregon) scored off an assist from former Oregon High School teammate Katie Waterman (Oregon/Oregon) with under four minutes left in the first half.

The Pointers took the lead on a corner kick early in the second half as Waterman sent a ball directly in front of the net that went in off the head of a Maroons' defender for an own goal. UW-Stevens Point held the lead until Plesac evened the match with a similar goal to her first score. Christine Farmer assisted both of Chicago's goals.

Chicago controlled most of the first overtime and had a shot hit the crossbar, though the Pointers took over for the closing minutes of the second half and were unable to convert the game-winner. DeCaluwe made seven saves to help preserve the tie for the Pointers.

UW-Stevens Point will host St. Thomas in a non-conference contest on Saturday at 2 p.m. at the Pointer Soccer Bowl.