MOBILE, Ala. ? The University of South Alabama soccer team played to a 1-1 tie in double overtime with Sun Belt Conference-leader Denver University Sunday at “The Cage.”

“We played hard again,” USA head coach Mike Varga said. “I challenged the team before the game, and told them that this weekend would show us that we’re either competing for the top-part of the conference or competing for a tournament berth.

"We showed this weekend by playing two of the toughest teams in the conference that we want to compete for the top-part of the conference, so we just need to prove now that we can do it on the road. I’m very pleased with our effort against an excellent team in Denver."

By playing to a tie, USA snapped DU’s eight-game win-streak.

The Jags took a 1-0 lead at the 40:52 mark of the first half when junior forward Tiara Smith netted her fifth goal of the season off a deflection from the goalkeeper. Kelly Tarrant and Landi Wilson provided assists for the goal.

Denver (12-1-2, 5-0-1) tied the match on a late goal by Jessie Rogers at the 84:29 mark of the second half.

USA goalkeeper Katie Berry recorded 11 saves in her first start of the season against the league-leading Pioneers.

South Alabama (4-8-2, 2-2-2) will travel to Miami Friday for a SBC contest against Florida International.

For more information about South Alabama athletics, check back with www.usajaguars.com.  Season tickets for all Jaguar athletic events can be purchased by calling (251) 461-1USA (1872).