Hosting the conference leader for Homecoming is sometimes a little intimidating. But for the Eastern Mennonite women's soccer team, playing Roanoke in the "prime-time" slot of games Saturday night wasn't a big deal. EMU took the Maroons' best shot and got a late goal in regulation to earn a 1-1 tie.

Roanoke, which entered 9-3-1 overall and 6-0 in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference, was ranked No. 7 in the NSCAA South Region rankings. From the opening whistle they showed why, outshooting the Lady Royals 13-1 in the first 45 minutes.

Senior keeper Abby Diffenbach (Lancaster, Pa./Lancaster Mennonite) was there for every shot, however, picking up seven saves in the frame.

In the second, the visitors broke through scoring just two minutes in. Roanoke kept control of the game throughout much of the half, but EMU started to gain momentum with about 15 minutes left.

Kori Wenger (New Holland, Pa./Lancaster Mennonite) took a shot on goal, but Roanoke's keeper made a save.

With 9:28 left on the clock, the Lady Royals got their equalizer. Taylor Wenger (New Holland, Pa./Lancaster Mennonite) sent a cross from the right side to Chaska Yoder (Plain City, Oh./Jonathan Alder). Yoder headed it in, scoring the first goal on Roanoke in conference play and knotting the game up at the same time.

The Maroons kept up their attack, including a header which Diffenbach saved with 28 seconds left in regulation. In all, Roanoke outshot EMU 16-1 in the nearly 30 minutes of regulation and two overtimes after the women's goal, but Diffenbach ensured the tie game.

Despite being outshot 37-5 in the game, the women earned the point. Roanoke also had a 21-4 edge in shots on goal. Diffenbach was spectular, setting her career high with 20 saves. The defense also played well, blunting a number of attack from the powerful Maroon offense.

With the 1-1 tie, the Lady Royals now have a four game-undefeated streak. The women are 4-6-2 overall and 2-3-1 in the ODAC. They will look to carry their momentum on the road next week, playing at rival Bridgewater on Tuesday. Game time is 4:00pm.