WILMORE, Ky. — Cedarville and Ky. Wesleyan traded goals throughout Wednesday's NCAA Division II matchup, settling for a 3-3 draw that kept both regional contenders unbeaten in conference play. The Yellow Jackets (10-0-6) extended their undefeated streak while the Panthers (7-2-7) remained competitive in the Great Midwest Athletic Conference standings.
Christian Nardelli opened scoring for Cedarville in the 14th minute, giving the visitors an early advantage. The lead held through halftime before the second half erupted into a goal-scoring battle that saw five goals in 27 minutes.
Michael Catanzarite doubled Cedarville's advantage in the 47th minute with an assist from Kirk Wilson and Eddie Merck. Ky. Wesleyan responded immediately when Hamish Strong scored in the 48th minute, assisted by Pavel Valchev, cutting the deficit to one.
Catanzarite struck again in the 61st minute, this time assisted by Christian Nardelli and Matthew Weller, extending Cedarville's lead to 3-1. The Panthers refused to surrender, with Braeden Myers-Curry scoring in the 62nd minute off assists from Euan Moss and Cal Nolan to make it 3-2.
Jhaeem Bryan equalized for Ky. Wesleyan in the 74th minute from a Jersey Lopez assist, forcing the final 15 minutes to be played with both teams seeking a winner. Neither