LA PLATA, Md. - The first-place Harford women's soccer team (8-1-1, 5-0-1 MD JUCO) returned home with a 1-1 tie at defending conference champ Southern Maryland (3-6-2, 3-1-1 MD JUCO) on Wednesday.

Freshman keeper Ashley King was outstanding and classmate Kesley Pena netted her first career goal on a beautiful cross from Brooke Nigrin just before the half. King made five magical saves to keep the game close and the Hawks were able to slow the most potent offensive attack in the MD JUCO, holding The Fighting Owls to their lowest goal total since a 2-1 loss to open the season.

The tie continues a nine-match unbeaten streak for the Fighting Owls and extends their hold on first place in the conference over Howard by a 16-12 advantage.

Harford travels to Monroe CC to face the No. 11 team in the nation on Saturday at 11 a.m.