Soccer: Women's

Penn State's Kori Chapic (14) fights for the ball with North Summer Green (6) during the national championship game Sunday afternoon at Torero Stadium in San Diego.Matthew Bellingeri/Collegian

Penn State fans cheer on the women's soccer game during the national championship game Sunday afternoon at Torero Stadium in San Diego.Matthew Bellingeri/Collegian

Penn State's Emily Hurd (3) breaks away with the ball during the national championship game Sunday afternoon at Torero Stadium in San Diego.Matthew Bellingeri/Collegian

SAN DIEGO -- After being punched in the match early, Penn State responded against North Carolina to finish the first half 1-1 in the championship match of the College Cup.

The Tar Heels' Kealia Ohai got the match off to a quick start, scoring from just inside the 18-yard line just 1:11 into the match to put UNC up 1-0.

After the opening goal the Penn State defense cracked down and opportunities opened up for the Lions' scoring attack. After two missed shots from senior Christine Nairn and junior Maya Hayes, Nairn found junior Taylor Schram on the left side after catching UNC goalkeeper Adelaide Gay off of her line.

Schram lobbed the ball to the back right of the net for a goal in the 18th minute to tie the game at 1-1.

UNC remained on the attack with a total of nine shots in the half compared to Penn State’s two. Erin McNulty continued the superb play she has displayed all tournament long with two crucial back-to-back saves in the 33rd and 34th minute.

The Lions and Tar Heels traded sides several times to close the half however either side was unable to score, ending the half with a tie.