MORAGA, Calif. – Saint Mary's earned their first draw of the year Sunday on a hot afternoon at Saint Mary's Stadium. Despite chances from both sides, the hotly contested game finished 0-0.
 
MIDFIELD BATTLES
The Gaels and Red Raiders started the game on the front foot, each team getting a few early chances to get on the board early. The best chance came for Texas Tech in the fifth minute as a shot from outside the box launched off of Taylor Poland's right post. That proved to be one of the best chances of the game, as shots were hard to come by on either side. Each time only had six total shots on goal after 90 minutes of play.
 
The game was fiercely competitive in the middle of the field, as Emma Barthel and Isabella Santavicca dictated the play for the Gaels. Texas Tech began to control possession towards the end of the first half, but Barthel and Santavicca continued to cut out passing lanes. 
 
The Red Raiders had another chance from a corner in the 48^th minute, but goalkeeper Taylor Poland was quick off her line, punching the ball out of the air before any Red Raiders could direct it towards goal.
 
BUILDING MOMENTUM
The second half proved similar to the first, but both teams began to create more chances as the half went on. With opportunities hard to come by, the Gaels began to turn up the tempo in the 60^th minute. The Red Raiders were quick to match SMC's intensity, but again, neither team could find the back of the net.
 
LATE DRAMA
Saint Mary's nearly found a winner late in the contest, as freshman Tessa Salvestrin tirelessly made runs forward, edging the Gaels forward. It was her freshman classmate Savannah Schwarze with the best chance of the game, as a cross from the right side of the box found Schwarze unmarked. Scwhwarze connect with her right foot, but the angle proved to be too small, and she smashed her shot into the outside netting.
 
UP NEXT
The Gaels will head on their second road trip of the year this weekend, taking on San Diego State on September 9 at 4 pm before battling UC San Diego on September 11 at 1 pm.