OREM— Ruby Hladek scored the equalizer in the 61st minute as Utah Valley University battled to a 1-1 draw with ACC foe California on Thursday night at UCCU Stadium.

The Wolverines move to 1-1-1 on the season while the Golden Bears now sit at 2-1-2. Cal struck first in the 52nd minute when Coco Thistle sent a shot into the upper-right corner of the net to take a 1-0 lead. Just nine minutes later, Hladek made a move around a defender into the left side of the box and fired a left-footed strike that deflected off the Cal keeper and found the back of the net to level the match at 1-1.

Utah Valley nearly came away with the win as Mia Owens sent a header toward goal in the final seconds that missed just wide as time expired. The Wolverines outshot Cal 18-8 overall, including a 6-4 edge on goal, and held an 8-1 advantage on corner kicks. Faith Webber paced UVU with five shots, while Hladek recorded three shots, all on frame. Senior goalkeeper Leah Wolf played all 90 minutes in goal and tallied three saves.

"I felt like we could have finished a couple and left some chances out there," said UVU head coach Chris Lemay. "Cal scored a great goal, but I was happy with the reaction that we came back and tied it. I thought we were knocking on the door and unfortunately couldn't find that second one. It's kind of weird to sit here and be a little bit upset that we didn't get a result against a good ACC program, but I felt like we were good enough to sneak away with three points tonight."

The Wolverines now turn their attention to SEC foe Auburn, which visits Orem on Monday for a noon kickoff at UCCU Stadium. "Auburn plays in a real high-level conference. They're going to be combative and athletic, so our job doesn't get any easier," Lemay added. "It's going to be another battle and we'll have to show up and be at our best to give ourselves a chance to get a result."

Monday's match against Auburn will be broadcast live on ESPN+. Fans can purchase tickets at GoUVU.com/tickets.