Well, Xavier stood their ground, allowing the Huskies just one goal and scoring one of their own. 

FIRST HALF
Xavier seemed like the dominant team in the first half. Offensively, the Gators more effectively worked themselves into opportunities for taking open shots on goal, while Hamilton's offensive prowess seemed unintimidating. 

Yet, the Huskies eked out a goal two minutes before halftime, while the Gators failed to reach the back of the net.

SECOND HALF
In the second half, Hamilton's offense came alive, spending more time on Xavier's side of the field pounding on Xavier's door, while the Gators' attack seemed to wane. I was waiting for the dam to break and confirm my pre-game fears.

Yet, Xavier tied the score with an Olivia Yu goal and just 1:48 left on the clock, replacing impending despair and disappointment for the Xavier crowd with joy and relief. 

Two ten-minute overtime periods failed to settle the score. A tie is better than a loss!

VIDEO: Olivia Yu Goal Ties the Score
  

 
XAVIER DEFENSE
The Xavier defense played an outstanding game in holding a strong Hamilton offense at bay. The player who caught my attention as being the spark plug for Xavier's defensive prowess was senior Ivy Schuman, and I have video proof. 

Watching Ivy go after opponents who have the ball is like watching a predator attack his prey in the animal world. She is laser-focused and calculating. Her strikes are well-timed. The opponent is dribbling and controlling the ball, Ivy strikes, and the opponent is left wanting.

 
XAVIER OFFENSE
Offensively, playing against a team that had not allowed a goal in their first two games, the Gators demonstrated some great passing and dribbling skills and teamwork that produced valid opportunities to take shots on goal.  Converting these opportunities to points will increase as the season continues. An outstanding coaching staff and a dedicated and talented team of student athletes will see to that.