QUINCY, Ill. — The No. 9 Bellarmine University women's soccer team got a second-half goal from senior midfielder Lauren Holder, but Quincy responded less than a minute later as the teams played to a 1-1 draw Sunday in Great Lakes Valley Conference action.

Sophomore defender Caroline Lee had an assist for visiting Bellarmine (4-1-1, 2-1-1 GLVC) against the Hawks (1-3-2, 1-2-1). In Quincy, Bellarmine clashed with its third-straight opponent that earned a spot in the 2015 DII NCAA Tournament. The Knights defeated Missouri-St. Louis 2-1 in overtime, fell to Truman State 1-0 in an extra session and played to a stalemate with Quincy.

Bellarmine Coach Chris Tinius returned to the sideline after missing the TSU match due to a health issue.

"I thought our kids battled as hard physically today as they have in my three years as coach," Tinius said. "You can't ask any more in that regard. This was a tough road trip in several respects from the level of opponents, to injuries and availability, and other factors. I think it will be something we look back on as a turning point at the end of the season."

After a scoreless first half, Bellarmine struck in the 61st minute. Lee found Holder, who nailed a shot from 10 yards. It was the second goal of the season for the All-Region midfielder, who sank the game-winner against UMSL in overtime.

Bellarmine's lead was brief. Quincy knotted the match up 36 seconds later when Abby Pulliam crossed to a wide-open Alex Severino in the middle of the field. Her shot glanced off the crossbar but went in for the tying goal.

"We still need to get the mental effort to match our physical effort," Tinius said. "We give away a lot of little moments by being reactionary. Our physical effort is one thing, but there are battles we wouldn't have to fight if we'll think the game a little better. Once we can put those two things together, we have the ability to be very good."

The tension in the match never let up. At the end of the first overtime, Bellarmine needed a defensive save — its second of the contest — off a corner kick to force a second extra frame. In that session, Knights sophomore midfielder Polly Marino put a scare into the Hawks when her shot was slightly wide left.

Both teams finished with 10 shots. Quincy held a 6-3 edge in shots on goal. Senior goalie Hannah Poteet had three saves in an active afternoon that included a diving stop on a Hawks header. Tinius praised senior midfielder Josie Metzger in particular for her hard-nosed effort in the hard-fought match.

"I thought Josie Metzger was phenomenal today and had one of her best days in a Bellarmine uniform," Tinius said.

Tinius expressed appreciation for many of those close to the program who offered help and support during his absence.

"I want to thank our players, the men's coaching staff (who coached the team against Truman State), our administration and the entire BU soccer family for their help and effort this weekend," he said.

Bellarmine hosts Lewis and Wisconsin-Parkside next weekend.

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