ELLENSBURG, Wash. – MSU Denver struck early, but Central Washington had a quick response.
 
From there, stalemate.
 
Central Washington fought the seventh-ranked Metropolitan State University of Denver to a 1-1 tie Thursday in women's soccer.
 
"That was a team that did a good job of disrupting play with pressure, and did a good job in terms of the intensity," MSU Denver coach Tracy Chao said. "And we didn't come out with the same intensity and allowed them to disrupt our play. Give them credit for playing the way they wanted."
 
The Roadrunners (2-0-1) scored just under 15 minutes into the game when Reigna Banks (Bakersfield, Calif./Bakersfield) recorded her fourth goal in three games to start the season. It was set up by an assist from Jessica Mooney (Broomfield, Colo./Broomfield).

But Central Washington (0-2-2) countered with the equalizer 2:19 later as Madison Bradley scored unassisted.
 
MSU Denver was playing its first game as a ranked team since 2015 and achieved its highest rank since being No. 3 in September, 2010.
 
A slow start mirrored the way the Roadrunners opened Sunday before beating Dallas Baptist 3-1.
 
"We have a lot of new players and I think we're learning how intense it is and how much every moment matters from the first whistle," Chao said. "Teams at this level have the ability to capitalize.
 
"We haven't been a team that others get up for, but now (being ranked seventh), we are. So this was a huge game for them, kind of a win for them. For us, it's disappointing."
 
MSU Denver outshot the Wildcats 19-17, but a late flurry gave Central Washington a 9-7 edge in shots on goal.
 
Erica Torres (Bakersfield, Calif./Bakersfield) had eight saves for MSU Denver, including four in the second overtime. Chao said both teams failed to generate many high-quality scoring chances.
 
The Roadrunners play Saturday at 11^th-ranked Western Washington, the 2016 national champions.

"We have a huge feat in front of us with Western Washington," Chao said.