Orono, Maine -- The University of Maine women's soccer team battled to a 1-1 tie with the NJIT Highlanders on Sunday afternoon at the Mahaney Diamond.
 
First Goal (NJIT 1-0): Lauren Chamberlain scored the only goal of the first half. After the Highlanders forced a turnover after a Maine goal kick, Chamberlain was able to find the back of the net. The Black Bears argued that offside should have been called but to no avail. After the first 45:00, NJIT held a one goal lead.
 
Second Goal (1-1): In the 70th minute, Hannah Bamford registered the first goal of the season for the Black Bears. The senior lifted a corner kick that deflected off a Highlanders' defender and into the NJIT net. With 20 minutes left in regulation, Maine tied the America East contest at one goal apiece.
 
The newly minted conference rivals battled to two scoreless 10:00 overtime periods. After 110 minutes of action, Maine and NJIT both earned a tie in America East play.
 
Maine held a 23-15 advantage in total shots and a 11-9 edge in shots on net.
 
Bamford scored the Black Bears' goal on a corner kick, while Julia Mahoney, Saylor Clark, and Carla Morich combined for 14 total shots.
 
Kira Kutzinski turned away eight shots during regulation and the two overtime periods. Other than an early miscue, the junior goalkeeper was perfect for her squad.
 
Next: The Black Bears return to the road when they make a trip to Lowell, Massachusetts next Sunday, March 21. Kickoff for the America East contest at UMass Lowell is scheduled for 1 p.m.
 
-UMaine-