MANKOTA, Minn. - The Jays women's soccer team closed out its 2012 exhibition season with a 1-1 draw with Minnesota State-Mankato on Tuesday, Aug. 14.

Playing three 30-minute periods on Tuesday, the two teams played a very even opening period.  Creighton and the Mavericks each fired off five shots in period one, however the Minnesota State-Mankato's final shot of the opening period found its mark.  Maverick midfielder Caitlin Graboski converted a corner kick play at the 28:48 mark by heading home a pass from Cassie Weik.

Midway through the second period, senior Brittney Neumann pulled her squad even with a breakaway goal.  Neumann collected a pass from freshman Alyssa Jara then nailed a shot into the right side of the net.  Senior Gabriela Guillén was also credited with an assist on the play as she sent the ball to Jara.

The third and final period proved to be very frustrating for the Jays as Creighton fired in 12 shots, but were unable to grab the game-winning goal.

"Minnesota State provided a great game for us today.  They were physical, very good in the air and disrupted our attack.  I thought [Neumann] gave us a great lift today and caused them a lot of problems," said Creighton head coach Bruce Erickson.  "But we need to be much more efficient than we have in the last two games.  We created too many chances to come away with only two goals."

Creighton finished the contest with a 23-9 edge in shots.  Senior Katie Jo Swanson made three saves and allowed the one goal in 90 minutes for Creighton.  Minnesota State-Mankato choose to split the three periods between three keepers.  Lauren Hoeppner led the way for the Mavericks as she tallied six saves in the final period.

Creighton begins the 2012 regular season on Sunday, Aug. 19 as the Jays host Iowa State at 1 p.m. in Morrison Stadium.