BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. - The Gardner-Webb University women's soccer team played to a 1-1 draw against the University of North Carolina at Charlotte in a preseason exhibition match on Saturday night at Greene-Harbison Field.

The goalkeepers for Gardner-Webb proved to be a defensive force on the evening, turning away 11 shots for the match.

Charlotte opened with the game's first scoring opportunity. The 49ers were granted a penalty kick in the 30th minute, as Amanda Jones took the PK, and had her shot ring off the left post to keep the game scoreless.

Sara Trexler opened the scoring for Charlotte in the 30th minute, as she curled the ball into left side of the net from the top of the 18, to give the 49ers a 1-0 lead. 

GWU would answer back and tie the game at one in the 36th minute. Justine Ibarra (Puyallup, Wash. / Puyallup High School) received the ball off a corner kick, and passed the ball to Jessica Ferguson (Lawrence, Kan / Lawrence Free State H.S.), who headed the ball into the net. 

One minute later, Ibarra put a curling shot on goal, forcing 49er goalie Alex Weaver to make a great diving stop to keep the game tied at one. 

Both teams would go into the halftime break tied at one.

Krista Chauvin (Seekonk, Mass. / UMass Dartmouth) replaced Amy Schmitt (Waxhaw, N.C. / Marvin Ridge H.S.) at goalkeeper at the start of the second half. Chauvin was extremely active in net for Gardner-Webb, making eight saves in the second stanza to perserve the draw.

The Runnin' Bulldogs open the 2014 season next Friday evening (Aug 22) when they travel to Spartanburg, S.C. to face the Wofford College Terriers. Kickoff is set for 6:00 p.m.