On Thursday (Aug. 27) night at Ferguson Field, the No. 22-ranked Ashland University women's soccer team and No. 19-ranked Grand Valley State played to a 1-1 tie to open the 2026 season.
 
The fall's lid-lifter pitted a pair of 2025 NCAA Division II playoff teams against each other.
 
In the 37-game history of the series between the Eagles and Lakers, Thursday's result was just the third draw – and the first since a nil-nil score in 2018.
 
Ashland struck quickly, as, in the 13^th minute, senior midfielder Ella Schneider struck from right to the back left corner of the Laker goal. Sophomore forward Tessa Blain picked up the assist.
 
Grand Valley knotted the score in the 67^th minute on a cross right to left from Ava Kozak to Sarah Langley, who punched the ball in from close range.
 
Sophomore goalkeeper Izzy Ezzone made six saves for AU.
 
The Lakers had a 17-4 advantage in shots. There were only three corner kicks on Thursday night, two by Grand Valley.
 
This was the fourth consecutive season Ashland has started a season against GVSU.

The Eagles will remain at home for another non-conference match-up with Point Park at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday (Aug. 29). This will be the Eagles' Be One of 1,000 (seeking a home attendance of at least 1,000) / Youth Night / High School Team Night.