MCKENZIE, Tenn. – In one of its final tune-ups before the conference schedule begins, the Missouri Baptist women's soccer team had another tough test on the road on Saturday and came away with a 2-2 wash against (RV) Bethel University. Trailing in the last seven minutes of the match, junior Mara George provided the Spartans with last-second heroics and tied the game back up with just 34 seconds remaining in the contest.

After a 3-0 start to the year, the Spartans are still seeking to end their drought and moved to 3-3-2 overall, while Bethel has yet to lose at home and moved to 4-1-1 on the year. The Wildcats represented MBU's fourth opponent in the past four matches that was ranked in the NAIA's Top 25 or receiving votes.

The two teams had an even share of possession in the first half but neither team was able to find the back of the net. MBU governed possession in the first 10 minutes of the game with minimal production as the Wildcat defense pushed back and limited the Spartans' scoring opportunities. At the end of a scoreless first half, Missouri Baptist had registered just two shots (1 SOG), while Bethel pumped out eight with seven on target.

Out of the break, the Wildcats took the lead in the 50^th minute when BU midfielder Kelly Nunes scored off a set piece from a corner kick. The Spartans, hungry for a goal of themselves, tied the ballgame off a corner kick as well just seven minutes after Bethel's opening goal. Jamie Theusch scored her first goal of the season with an assist credited to fellow upperclassman Madi Dunahue.

It remained a 1-1 tie for more than 25 minutes despite the two teams firing away in the second half. Bethel regained the lead in the 83^rdminute on a Johanna Veldhuizen goal. Once again, Missouri Baptist had an answer for (RV) Bethel, this go-around with very little time remaining. Forward Mara George, who is now tied for the team lead in goals (3), scored the game-tying goal with only 34 seconds left on the clock.

MBU keeper Hanna Harrison made 10 saves in the game, seven of which came in the first half. In addition, Harrison also helped her team secure the final goal running down the field in support of the last corner kick.

The Spartans will return home to play on Tuesday, Sept 20 as they host Mid-America Christian University (1-6, 0-0 SAC). Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.