SEATTLE – The Seattle Pacific University women's soccer team showed great strength and toughness in their match against 24th ranked Western Oregon on Saturday afternoon, as Jacqueline Blakeley scored twice against the Wolves, leveling the score both times while helping the Falcons to the 2-2 draw.

"It was a very gritty performance by us," head coach Arby Busey said. "The way we dealt with going down twice is a testament to the character that this group has built. I was super proud of the response to each goal. We stayed at it until our second goal came, and I think the belief was strong that a third was coming, but we ran out of time. When you add in the opponent we were playing and the challenge they posed today, those feelings are elevated even more."

Blakeley entered the match as the second-best goal-scorer in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference. She's tied Western Oregon's Chloe Smith with five goals but has appeared in one more game than Smith. Blakeley showcased her offensive skills on Saturday.

The Falcons trailed 1-0 after a 50th minute goal from the Wolves. The Falcons answered in the same minute. Lauren Forster attacked the goal from the left side of the field before being brought down in the box. The foul created a penalty kick for SPU. Blakeley stepped forward to take and make the penalty kick. The right-footed shot tied the match 1-1.

SPU needed another goal to the tie the match and would get it in the 84th minute. Kathryn Nyone got things going with a one touch pass to Moira MacKay. Like Nyone, Mackay used one touch to get the ball at the feet of Blakeley. She used the right foot again. This time, from just inside the box. Blakeley's seventh goal of the season was the 15th of her career.

"Jackie was exactly what all of us have expected from her," Busey added. "She has been phenomenal and has come through in so many situations. She continues to do that. She was great today and put herself in the right spots to put the ball in the net for us. She is exactly what we need from her.

SPU sent 10 shots toward the Wolves on Saturday. Five of those shots were on goal. MacKay and Mia Mahaffey joined Blakeley (3) in sending shots on goal. Mercedes Cullen was in goal for the Falcons and made four saves against WOU.  

The Falcons go north of the border on Thursday, Oct. 12, for a match against Simon Fraser at 6 p.m.