ROMEOVILLE, Ill. – Paola Macias' 76^th-minute goal propelled Roosevelt to a season-opening 1-1 draw with Lewis on Thursday in Romeoville.

Playing in their first NCAA Division II contest, the Lakers (0-0-1) didn't look nervous as they registered the first three shot attempts of the game. Just 11 minutes in, Daisy Hernandez-Loya forced a save to the bottom right corner of the goal and three minutes later, Cami Butler's shot was stopped as well.

Lewis scored in the 25^th minute, but otherwise struggled to crack Roxy Herrera's composure in goal. The junior keeper finished with seven saves, including five in the second half, as Lewis poured on 17 total shot attempts in the match. Roosevelt had 15 of its own and forced eight saves from the Flyers goalie.

However, it wasn't until the 76^th minute when Macias found the back of the net unassisted and started a final push for the Lakers. Roosevelt had four shots saved in the final 15 minutes while Lewis failed to direct one of its attempts on target as the Lakers pushed for their first win.

DEBUTANTS STAND STRONG: Roosevelt had three freshmen start against Lewis and all three played at least 80 minutes in the tie. Bella Perry played 86 minutes in the midfield and finished with one of her three attempts reaching target. Butler played 81 minutes and had her only shot saved while Aaliyah Leanos put one of her three shots on target in 80 minutes of action.

EQUALIZING POSSESSION: Lewis had roughly 65 percent of the possession in the first half, but it was Roosevelt who was on the front foot for much of the second 45-minute period. The game ended with the Lakers holding 49 percent of the possession with 76 percent of that possession coming in their attacking half of the field.

UP NEXT: Roosevelt returns home to Morris Field on Sunday at noon for a Senior Day matchup with former conference rival Saint Xavier. This will be the 13^th all-time meeting between the two sides with the Lakers having won or drawn four of the past five matches with the Cougars.