LIU plays to 1-1 draw against Quinnipiac

(boxscore)

10/29/04 -- Senior Nichole Lopez (Highland Mills, N.Y.) scored in the 71st minute for Long Island, which played to a 1-1 Northeast Conference tie against Quinnipiac at LIU Field.

Lopez netted her fourth goal of the season and 10th career to give the Blackbirds (7-6-2, 3-3-2 NEC) a 1-0 lead. Sophomore Allison Andreano (Denville, N.J.) lofted a pass into the box to freshman Amy Paige (San Jose, Calif.), who flicked a header and Lopez lofted a five-yard chip shot over goalkeeper Heather Zaccone.

The 10th career goal for Lopez moves her into sole possession of fifth place on the school’s all-time list.

The Bobcats (7-8-2, 4-2-2) scored the equalizer in the 81st minute following a questionable corner-kick call. Kirsten Van de Ven lined a kick from the right corner to Kate Ahern, who had her initial shot stopped by sophomore goalie Stephanie Kansky (Bellevue, Wash.) before heading home the rebound for her fourth tally of the year.

LIU, which owned a 16-3 shots advantage that included a 9-2 edge in the second half, had the best chance in overtime. Lopez fed a pass from the right side to junior Jackie McCormick (Liverpool, N.Y.), who had her shot headed for the left corner stopped by substitute goalie Sarah Lusto in the 106th minute.

Zaccone made five saves before leaving at the end of regulation due to injury and Lusto had the one stop. Kansky closed with two saves.

Lopez took four shots with McCormick and sophomore Christine Gans (Pittsburgh, Pa.) contributing three apiece for the Blackbirds, who had an 8-1 edge in corner kicks.

LIU plays its regular-season finale Sunday against Central Connecticut State, beginning at 1:00 pm.