PELLA — Withstanding a barrage of shot attempts from Hope College (Mich.), the Central College women's soccer team earned a home tie Saturday afternoon.
           
The Flying Dutch (1-0-1), who defeated Wartburg College 3-1 Friday afternoon, outshot the Dutch (1-0-1) 32-5 with 19 of those shots going on frame. Freshman goalkeeper Zoey Sizemore (Omaha, Neb., Mercy HS) registered 17 saves.
           
"We've been on the other end of games like this before," coach Mike Kobylinski said. "Today says a lot about our team and our grit. I think we made a statement about what we are capable of doing in our league and in this region.
           
"Zoey made some great saves. There was a set piece in the first half that I don't know how she parried it to her right but it was a gorgeous save."
           
The Dutch struck first with an unassisted Paige Cahill (senior, Castle Rock, Colo., Castle View HS) goal in the 11th minute.
           
"Whenever you get Paige on the score line, good things are going to happen," Kobylinski said.
           
Hope leveled the score in the 24th minute but Central's defense held strong for the tie.
           
"Bridget Lynch (fifth year, Northglenn, Colo., Jefferson Academy) really anchors our back line," Kobylinski said. "But Katy Brown (sophomore, St. Charles, Mo., Orchard Farm HS), Alli Seegers (freshman, Waverly, Waverly-Shell Rock HS) and Nicole Sinclair (sophomore, Arvada, Colo., Jefferson Academy) also played very well."
           
Central travels to the University of Northwestern – St. Paul (Minn.) for a 4 p.m. match Wednesday.