LEBANON, Ill. | Leemon Field - McKendree University women's soccer (0-0-1) kicked off its 2025 campaign on its home turf on Thursday evening with a battle against the Chargers of Alabama-Huntsville, playing to a 1-1 draw as the final horn sounded. The Bearcats struck first in their opening contest with sophomore forward Ella Rogan firing her first collegiate goal after recording her first collegiate point via assist during the 2024 season. McKendree moved to 3-0-1 against the Chargers all-time with the result and will continue non-conference play on September 7 at 11:00AM back at Leemon Field against Saginaw Valley State. 

The Bearcats had to find footing early in the game against UAH, as they feature a myriad of new talent, wasting little time with their adjustments. Even with the UAH offense out-shooting the Bearcats by one in the first half (6-5), McKendree took an advantage at half with the 20th-minute score from Rogan behind a flick-on from sophomore forward Maddie Mauch. Rogan's collection of the dish-out and drive led into a cross-box shot, which found the lower corner of the goal for the 1-0 halftime lead. 

The second half saw the Bearcats continue to up the pressure on UAH's defense, as the home squad fired nine more shots while totaling five on-frame attempts. Alabama-Huntsville managed to sneak a shot in during the 60th minute of action, which put the contest into a 1-1 deadlock. McKendree controlled the pace for the remainder of the game but were unable to force another goal through. 

All five of McKendree's on-frame attempts came from five different players, including junior midfielder Maggie Gleckler, freshman midfielder Lyla Karolczak, junior defender Zoe Cormier, sophomore defender Miranda Malcom, and goal-scorer Ella Rogan.