CLEVELAND, Miss. – The Delta State University Women's Soccer team (0-0-1) put on a gritty performance at Delta Field on Friday afternoon, earning a 1–1 draw against Eckerd in their 2025 season home opener.

The Lady Statesmen came out strong, controlling the tempo early and creating multiple scoring chances. Their persistence paid off in the 21st minute when senior forward Bryleigh Taylor found the back of the net, giving Delta State a 1–0 lead.

Delta State's attack was relentless in the first half, recording nine shots and forcing the Eckerd goalkeeper into five saves before halftime. Senior forward Millie Congerton was a constant threat, firing four shots on target including the first two of the match and testing the defense throughout the match.

Defensively, the Lady Statesmen stood tall. Piper Burgess anchored the back line with three saves in goal, while Ava Steven and Mackenzie Winters logged 90 tough minutes to hold off Eckerd's pressure.

The Tritons would add the equalizer in the 89^th minute tying the game up at 1-1.

The Lady Statesmen will hit the road this weekend as they travel to Georgia to take on Saint Leo in a neutral match at Georgia College and State University in Milledgeville, Ga., Sunday afternoon at 2:00 p.m. (CDT).