Irvine Valley's women's soccer team came away with a 2-2 tie at Saddleback in its Orange Empire Conference opener on Tuesday afternoon.
It was a solid start for the Lasers in conference.
The Gauchos were ranked 19th in the nation in the latest National Soccer Coaches Association of America poll.
But it was nearly a lot more for Irvine Valley.
The Lasers' defense was solid and the IVC had a 2-1 lead late in the contest.
Saddleback got the tie with a goal on a penalty kick in the 80th minute from Breanna Taboada.
The Gauchos scored both of their goals after Irvine Valley fouls on the day.
Irvine Valley still stayed unbeaten in its last five matches and improved its record to 2-1-3 overall.
The teams both scored one goal in each half.
IVC took a 1-0 lead in the 28th minute on a goal from sophomore forward Alexandra Benedict off an assist from sophomore midfielder Danielle Lefebvre.
It was Benedict's seventh goal in the team's last three matches.
The Gauchos answered in the 43rd minute when Rachel Edelstein fed Mackenzie Galaz for her first goal of the season off a free kick.
Irvine Valley again took the lead 66th minute when sophomore midfielder Rosa Soto-Aleman slipped one past Saddleback keeper DZ-Rae Jara.
Sophomore defender Evelyn Lucatero earned the assist.
The Gauchos tied the game in the 80th minute off the penalty kick by Taboada.
Sophomore goalie Yesenia Pulido made six saves for the Lasers.
Saddleback now stands at 3-0-2 on the season.
The Lasers play again Friday, traveling to Santiago Canyon for a conference match at 3 p.m.
