Durango High School sophomore Mason Rowland scored her fifth goal in only three games this season to give the Demons a big 1-0 lead on the road. The Demons then had to give everything they had to hold onto a tie.

Rowland’s goal came off an assist from Clara Krull in the 50th minute. Krull played in a free kick from 30 yards out to the far post, and Rowland was there to finish a shot past the Fruita Monument goalkeeper.

But the host Wildcats would answer back 20 minutes later. A long shot got past the Demons defense and goalkeeper Jocelyn Feir, who was screened and didn’t get a good look at the deflected shot.

The two 5A/4A Southwestern League teams would play through two overtimes, but neither could find a goal in the 1-1 draw.

“The overtimes were back-and-forth,” DHS head coach Melissa Halonen said. “We dominated the first. In the second, we were trying to survive. The girls were tired and played their hearts out. They took a lot of direction today and learned a lot. I am really happy with how they played and the grit they have.”

Halonen estimated Feir made 20 saves in the match to keep the Demons level.

Next for the Demons is a 6 p.m. home match Thursday against rival Montrose (0-1, 0-1 SWL).

DHS (2-0-1, 1-0-1 SWL) will get to host Fruita Monument (1-0-1, 0-0-1) the next time to the two teams meet June 5.

“We’re going to be ready for them,” Halonen said. “We are looking forward to a great game next time we see Fruita. This was a physical game, and I am sure the next will be just as physical if not more.

“I am so proud of this team, from the players on the field all the time to the players cheering from the sideline. They’ve grown a ton over the last couple weeks and even just today. I am so happy to be part of this group.”

jlivingston@durangoherald.com