COLUMBUS, Ga. - The Panthers opened their season with a neutral site bout against the Falcons of Montevallo. The 2-2 draw was electrifying in a multitude of ways as the match featured a total of four goals and an hour and a half lightning delay.

Leading Florida Tech on the offensive front was senior Keira McCarthy who lit up the stat sheet tallying two goals on six shots with five of the shots being on goal.

Maria Sanchez Recuero had a strong season debut in between the posts as she collected six saves in a 110 minutes of action.

The Crimson and Gray started the match off slow as they only registered three shot in the first half of action compared to the Falcons, six. But neither team was able to crack the scoresheet as they headed into their locker rooms deadlocked at 0-0.

However, the second half saw the action and pace of play pick up for both sides. The scoreless tie was quickly broken only 2 minutes and 20 seconds into play when Montevallo's Samara Lino tucked one into the net. 

Florida Tech did not let the Falcons enjoy the lead for long as McCarthy buried a shot only a minute and four seconds later to bring it back level. 

The teams were trading shots and possession until an untimely lightning delay halted the action with less than 20 minutes left to go in regulation.

But both teams picked up right back up where they left off as each netted another goal promptly after play resumed. These goals were the end to the afternoon's scoring though as excellent keeping by both teams held the attack at bay.

Overtime saw the Panthers and their superior fitness take control as they outshot the 7-4, 4-1 in the second OT, over the allotted twenty minutes.

The Crimson and Gray will look to recuperate and prepare fast for their next match where they take on West Florida. Start time for the Sept. 2 contest is 9:30 a.m on the field at the Walden Soccer Complex.

For the latest news, updates and information on the Florida Tech women's soccer team, visit FloridaTechSports.com. Fans can also stay up-to-date on the latest Panthers news by following Florida Tech Athletics on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.