In a match that – with an extra inch on the keeper's gloves or a ball placed another foot to the left – could have gone either way, the Ballard High School girls soccer team played Bishop Blanchet High School to a 2-2 tie in the opening match of the 2010 season.

Blanchet started the scoring in the Sept. 7 nonconference match when Katie Ryan's shot went off Ballard senior keeper Berni Cardon's fingertips and into the corner of the net in the 20th minute.

Ballard narrowly avoided going down 2-0 shortly after when Cardon was caught away from the goal. Luckily for the Beavers, Blanchet's shot bounced off the crossbar.

Senior Cricket Harber used her head to even the score in the 34th minute when she knocked in a free kick lob from senior Jordan Travis.

Sophomore Kat Anesini gave the Beavers the lead early in the second half with her shot in the 47th minute off an assist from sophomore Sophie Mora.

Ballard could not preserve the 2-1 lead as Blanchet got a second goal courtesy of Shannon McMahon in the 71st minute.

Junior Cassie Winters, who looked sharp all match dribbling through defenders and creating opportunities, had a chance to win it in the final minutes when she took a pass on a break toward goal, but her shot went wide right.

The Beavers continue their nonconference schedule against Kennedy High School at 6 p.m. Sept. 9 at Starfire Stadium.

Ed. Note: In the Ballard High School 2010 fall sports preview, the Ballard News-Tribune incorrectly wrote that Berni Cardon graduated last year. She is a senior this year. We regret the error.