FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Following a road loss at Rollins just four days prior, Nova Southeastern rose to the occasion on Wednesday night, as the Sharks battled toe-to-toe with eighth-ranked Barry en route to hard-earned 1-1 draw. Emma Heikkila tallied her fifth goal of the season in the 19^th minute, which proved to be enough for the Sharks to snap the Buccaneers' unblemished 9-0 start to the season.

INSIDE THE MATCHUP:
Score: Nova Southeastern 1, No. 8 Barry 1
Records: Nova Southeastern (7-5-1, 2-2-1 SSC), Barry (9-0-1, 4-0-1 SSC)
Location: NSU Soccer Complex | Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
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HOW IT HAPPENED:

• After both sides traded chances in the early going, Heikkila shifted the momentum in favor of the Sharks at the 18:07 mark of the first half. The junior settled the ball in the middle of the box before turning and drilling a left-footed strike off the cross bar and just over the goal line to hand Nova Southeastern the 1-0 edge.
• The Sharks' attack went quiet for the remainder of the first half, mustering just one more shot in the closing stages, yet held onto the slim lead entering the break.
• Still 1-0 in the 67^th minute, Barry answered back when Molly Sharpe linked up with 2017 Sunshine State Conference Player of the Year Christy Grimshaw for the equalizer.
• Sharpe nearly pushed the Bucs ahead less than 10 minutes later, yet the strong shot attempt deflected off the crossbar before being cleared by the Nova Southeastern backline.
• The Sharks produced a quality opportunity in the 84^th minute, as a corner kick taken by Heikkila fell to the feet of an unmarked Olivia Graham. The volley attempt, though, would be denied, keeping the match deadlocked at 1-1.
• Heikkila received an open look at the net in the 109^th minute, but the shot would sail high just as the final whistle sounded in double overtime of the well-played match.  

BEYOND THE BOXSCORE:

• Nova Southeastern picked up one point Wednesday, exactly three weeks after losing to Barry 2-1 down in Miami Shores, Fla.
• The draw marked the Sharks first in regular season action since it played to a 2-2 tie at Florida Southern on Oct. 7, 2017.

 STATS OF THE NIGHT:

• Barry outshot Nova Southeastern by narrow 17-16 margin, despite the Sharks holding a 5-2 advantage in extra time.
• NSU freshman Natalie Robayna collected four saves in the effort, bring her goals-against average down to 1.53 in five starts this season.
• Heikkila's fifth goal of the season now ties her with Jemma House for the team lead.

UP NEXT:
Nova Southeastern will host Florida Southern this Saturday at 7 p.m. in its annual Think Pink game. The first 150 students will receive free T-shirts and donations to NSU Cancer Research will be accepted. For complete coverage of the action, visit the schedule page on NSUSharks.com or follow the Sharks on Twitter @NSU_WSoccer.

GOAL FOR THE SHARKS: Emma Heikkilä finds some seperation from the defender and with the left foot strikes it off the cross-bar and in. Sharks lead 1-0!! pic.twitter.com/u6fGvSvfXL

— NSU Women's Soccer (@NSU_WSoccer) October 3, 2018