Jackie Richards (99) is congratulated after scoring Campbell’s goal.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/Paul Burgett)

BUIES CREEK — Campbell fought Mercer to a 1-1 draw in its season opener Thursday night at Eakes Athletics Complex.

The Camels scored first in the 29th minute as Elyssa Nowowieski received a throw-in from Reagan Baiotto. Nowowieski booted it into the box, finding Jackie Richards who headed it past the Mercer goalkeeper.

Nowowieski nearly added another minutes later as her bicycle kick attempt went wide of the goal.

Mercer answered in the final minute of the first half as the Bears played a corner kick out to Kylie Buchanan outside the box. Buchanan chipped it in front of the net where Lana Whitfield headed it in.

The Bears held a 14-12 advantage in shots, including an 8-2 edge in the second half, but the Camels finished with a 7-5 edge in shots on goal.

Richards led all players with six shots overall including putting four on goal.

“I was really proud of our group in the second half when we got off to a slow start and there was a proper response,” head coach Jeff Gross said following the match. “This was a good first step for us and we will get better moving forward.”

Campbell travels to face No. 25 Clemson on Sunday at 6:00 p.m.

(Campbell media services provided the basis for this report)

Elyssa Nowowieski creates a shot for the Lady Camels.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/Paul Burgett)

Laney Peabody takes a free kick for Campbell in the latter stages of a 1-1 draw with Mercer.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/Paul Burgett)