ROHNERT PARK, Calif. – A second-half equalizer from Ashley vonTillow in Sonoma State's season opener against Dominican University allowed the hosts to kick off their 2018 campaign with a 1-1 draw in double overtime at Seawolf Soccer Field Thursday afternoon.

"In my mind we took a step back from where our momentum was headed in our scrimmages," noted Seawolves' Head Coach Emiria Salzmann Dunn post-game. "But it's our first counting game and we begin to learn more about how our players react under pressure."

The Penguins got off to a quick start in the first half, capitalizing in the 4th minute of play to tally the game's first goal. Finding space within the box, Lily Dubuc slotted a ball to the far-side post which beat diving Seawolf keeper Kristen Spear for the early 1-0 lead. However, that would prove the only goal she would allow.

Entering the second half down by one, Sonoma State began a barrage of attacks on Dominican, racking up 10 shots in the next 45 minutes. One of those shots came at the 52-minute mark off the boot of Ashley vonTillow.

From 40 yards out, vonTillow blasted a laser through traffic which tipped off of Dominican keeper Alyssa Ramos' outstretched glove to tie things up at one.

Despite the second-half attacking onslaught, Ramos kept the Seawolves out of the back of the net with five saves. An extra 20 minutes of sudden-death overtime ticked away as well, as the match ended in a 1-1 draw.

Looking ahead, to Saturday's match against Concordia (Ore.) Salzmann Dunn believes her team will be able to take Thursday's result as a place to improve from.

"Moving forward it's a wonderful learning moment and hopefully a good tool to become a better team as the season progresses."

The Seawolves return to action Saturday at 11 a.m. as they host the Cavaliers in their final game of the Sonoma State Invitational.