ALLENDALE, Mich. — Ava Rizzitano scored for the third consecutive game, delivering a second-half equalizer to help the Parkside women's soccer team earn a 1-1 draw against No. 5 Grand Valley State on Friday.
Rizzitano's sixth goal of the season erased a halftime deficit as the Rangers earned a point on the road against the nationally ranked Lakers. Lindsey Ferrara made three saves over 90 minutes for Parkside, which overcame a 17-6 disadvantage in shots and a 4-2 deficit in shots on goal.
Grand Valley State opened the scoring in the 32nd minute when Sarah Fromm finished off an assist from Sarah Langley. The Lakers outshot Parkside 8-3 in the first half, but Ferrara made two saves to help keep the Rangers within a goal. Mary Leininger put an attempt on frame in the 34th minute, forcing a save from Macie Hunter, before Grand Valley State took its 1-0 lead into halftime.
Parkside pulled even in spectacular fashion in the 61st minute. Streaking down the right flank, Rizzitano lofted a ball from near the sideline intended to be a cross into the box. Instead, it sailed into the upper left corner, past the outstretched arm of a leaping Hunter. The unassisted goal tied the match at 1-1 with 29:19 remaining.
The Lakers held a 9-3 advantage in second-half shots, but Parkside limited them to just one attempt on goal after halftime. Ferrara stopped Vesna Dennison in the 54th minute, and the Rangers did not allow another shot on frame the rest of the way. Bella Jackson and Julia McRae each had an attempt blocked after the equalizer as Parkside pushed for the lead.
Rizzitano finished with a team-high two shots, while Leininger accounted for the Rangers' other shot on goal. Grand Valley State finished with a 4-2 advantage in corner kicks.
Parkside is now 6-4-2 overall and 4-3-1 in GLIAC play. Grand Valley State moved to 8-1-3 overall and 6-0-2 in conference play.
Up next, the Rangers begin their final homestand against Wayne State on Friday, Oct. 16, at 1 p.m. CT.
To keep up with the Rangers, be sure to visit parksiderangers.com/coverage.
