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SAN FRANCISCO—The Dons battled back against Portland twice on Friday night and had its chances to earn their first ever victory against their Pacific Northwest rival but was able to fend the Pilots off and force the 2-2 West Coast Conference tie.
 
It was only the second team in team history that the Dons (6-9-3, 2-4-1 WCC) had earned a point against Portland. The two goals were also the most the team had ever recorded against the Pilots in a single game.
 
Portland took a quick lead in the eighth minute when Allison Wetherington delivered a cross to the center of the box where Alyssa Edenstrom chipped it with her left foot to find the net and give the Pilots a 1-0 lead.
 
It would stay that way for much of the first half until the Dons earned their first corner kick and took advantage of a set piece in the 40th minute when Amanda Whittle took a corner from the right side and delivered the short kick to Jessica Nakae, who gave it back to Whittle, who then delivered a cross to the far post and found Sydnie Telson for the header and the goal, tying the match 1-1.
 
Sonja Giraud had a couple of looks earlier in the game but finally broke through in the 56th minute she dribbled through two defenders at the top of the box and fired from about five yards out for the goal to even the match at two.
 
Shortly after her first goal, Giraud wound up for another strike from about 20 yards out but her shot went just over the crossbar.
 
In the overtime period, Giraud was at it again and nearly gave the Dons the victory. While being defended by two Pilots players in the 96th minute, Giraud slipped to the ground near the top of the box but was able to get the ball on her right foot and take a shot that was saved by Portland goalkeeper Taylor Luty.
 
A minute later, Giraud had a look from about 20 yards out and one-timed it over the crossbar.
 
Portland came alive in the second overtime period and put up three shots but was only able to put one on goal. San Francisco goalkeeper Madalyn Schiffel had five saves on the night.
 
San Francisco will be back in action against Gonzaga on Sunday at 1 p.m.