DETROIT (8-17-23) - With time winding down in the 88th minute, junior Ashley Bates connected on a header off a pinpoint feed from senior Paige Myers to give Detroit Mercy what appeared to be the game-winning goal. However, Central Michigan was able to connect on the equalizer off a free kick with just 11 ticks on the clock to escape Titan Field with a 3-3 draw in the season opener on Thursday night.

Senior Gabby Ketola got things going for the Titans (0-0-1) just five minutes into the game as she fired a missile from just outside the box past CMU (0-0-1) keeper Shivani Battaglia for a 1-0 lead.

Detroit Mercy was not done as senior Karsen Murray delivered another goal off a header from a perfect free kick feed from junior Danica Paesano to take a 2-0 lead into the half.

In the second half, CMU got on the board in the 58th minute to trim the lead to 2-1. Just minutes after the goal, lighting in the Detroit area forced an hour-long weather delay.

After the delay and both teams playing even for 19 minutes, the Chippewas tied the game in the 83rd minute setting the stage for the wild finish.

Detroit Mercy returns to Titan field for a match against Morehead State on Sunday, Aug. 20 at 1 pm.