By Mike Lehman, TTU Sports Information Coordinator

ATHENS, Tenn. - After welcoming in a signing class of nine this fall, the Tennessee Tech soccer team saw its first live action of the 2013 season, playing to a 1-1 draw against Tennessee Wesleyan in a exhibition match.

"The score line was not at all indicative of how the game went," said head coach Daniel Brizard. "We had about 20 chances on the day and struggled to finish and [Tennessee] Wesleyan had probably two and finished on one of them. That was the big difference on the day."

After putting together a breakout season in 2012, senior forward Ellie Iaciofano picked right up where she left off, scoring the lone Golden Eagle goal off an assist by freshman Micki Dye. Also in on the play was freshman Abi Gearing. Iaciofano scored eight goals and recorded 20 points on her way to all-OVC second-team honors last season.

"The ball was played down into the corner," said Brizard. "Micki crossed it back and Abi ran onto it. Ellie called for it and Abi did a nice dummy (let it go between her legs) and Ellie finished it.

"We played okay," added Brizard. "We worked out some things and I feel that this match really helped us get ready for the start of our regular season next week."

The Golden Eagles will open the 2013 season with a neutral site match against Kennesaw State in Knoxville on Friday, Aug. 23.