HOUSTON -- The Rice soccer team rallied from a two-goal deficit in the second half to finish in a 3-3 tie with visiting Samford Friday night at Holloway Field.

Rice opened the eventual six-goal, 110-minute marathon slugfest with score off a set piece in the 18th minute. Senior Jasmine Isokpunwu's header from inside the keeper's box found a narrow seam along the near post for a 1-0 Owl advantage.

Samford equalized the goal just before the end of the first half with Malcanisha Kelly's third goal of the season on a close chip from the left side. The Bulldogs then exploded for two quick goals in the first five minutes of the second stanza to go up 3-1.

Down but not out, Rice would not go away so easily at home. In the 60th minute true freshman Lianne Mananquill blasted away on a shot from inside the 18. Her first career goal pulled the Blue & Gray to within one with time significant time remaining. In the 72nd minute, senior Mia Schmolze skyed a long chip from midfield. The Samford goalkeeper aggressively came out to play the tricky play, but Nia Stallings came away with the ball and fired home a shot to the empty net to level the score at 3-3. The goal was Stalling's first of the year.

Both teams had some offensive chances during the remainder of regulation, and again through two full 10-minute overtime periods. The scoreboard remained deadlocked at 3-3. The Owls held a close 18-16 advantage in shots, and a 6-4 margin in corner kicks.

Rice, now 1-1-1 on the season, closes-out the current homestand on Sunday (Sept. 4) against longtime foe Sam Houston State. Start time at Holloway Field is set for 7 pm.

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