BUIES CREEK, N.C. – Kaleigh Backlund scored in the final 30 seconds off a set piece, and the Camels tied George Mason, 3-3, in the home opener Sunday afternoon at Eakes Athletics Complex.
The Camels (0-1-1) scored the first two goals of the match, both from freshmen for their first collegiate goals. Tyler Baughan scored in the 41st minute, heading home a cross from Alyssa Tucker.
Campbell earned a corner kick in the 53rd minute, and Emely Rubio sent the ball to the top of the box. Abby Connolly was there to receive the corner, and she snuck it past multiple defenders in the box and into the net.
The Patriots (0-1-1) responded with three unanswered goals in the span of 11 minutes to take a 3-2 lead. Josie Stockett and Katelyn O'Donnell each scored to tie, then a Campbell own goal in the 70th minute put George Mason ahead.
Campbell continually put pressure on the Patriot defense in the final 20 minutes, and the breakthrough came with just 30 seconds left in the match when Natalie Darling earned a free kick in the attacking third.
Connolly curled the free kick into the box, and Tucker was the first to it and headed it up, and Backlund was there for the second header to put it past the keeper and score the tying goal.
The Camels outshot the Patriots 14-10 and held 58% possession throughout the match.
QUOTABLE
Head Coach Jeff Gross
UP NEXT
The Camels welcome NC State to Eakes on Thursday for a big non-conference matchup. The match begins at 7:00, and it will be streamed live on FloSports.
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