Box Score Aiken, S.C.----The USC Aiken Pacers scored two goals in the final eight minutes of regulation Thursday night to earn a 3-3 tie against the visiting 10th-ranked Wingate University Bulldogs in NCAA Division II women's soccer action. The contest was the season opener for both teams, who start the season 0-0-1 overall.

Wingate sophomore forward Brooke Howell (Charlotte, N.C.) scored a pair of goals to lead the Wingate attack. USC Aiken's Hannah Allison also scored a pair of goals Thursday night.  

Wingate got on the board 15 minutes into the contest, when All-American forward forward Jade Montgomery (Jacksonville, N.C.) netted her 52nd career goal to make it 1-0. Freshman Mackenzie Cherniuk (Massillon, Ohio) had the assist on the play.

The Pacers tied it eight minutes later when Megan Smits found the back of the net to make it 1-1. Howell's first goal of the night put the 'Dogs back on top with 13 minutes remaining in the first half, with Montgomery registering the assist.

Howell notched her first career multi-goal game seven minutes into the second half to put the Bulldogs on top 3-1.

The Pacers had the answer, cutting the lead to one with under eight minutes remaining in regulation on Allison's first goal. USC Aiken tied the game with under two minutes remaining in the second half on Allison's second goal.

The Pacers held a 17-15 advantage in shots on the night, while also holding a 5-4 edge in shots on goal. Senior goalkeeper Ashlyn Hardie (Summerfield, N.C.) had a pair of saves for Wingate, while Nicole Cranny registered one save for the Pacers.

The Bulldogs are back in action Sunday, traveling to Stetson for a 1 p.m. contest. Wingate's home opener is Tuesday night, hosting UNC Pembroke at 5 p.m.