RIVERSIDE, Calif. - More favorable conditions were in place for UC Riverside's matinee with New Mexico on Sunday morning at the UC Riverside Soccer Stadium, as the Highlanders (2-2-3, 0-0-0) played to a 2-2 draw with New Mexico. 

Caela Kaio was tested early in the eighth minute from point-blank range after a New Mexico attacker put on a burst of speed to beat the defense just inside the 18. Kaio dove to her right for the stop. Kameron Henry streaked down the left side twice in the early going for a quality chance the other way, as both sides put forth quality in the attacking third in the match's first 15 minutes. 

Alex Hargrave scored her third goal in her last two appearances in the 19th minute on the assist from Leyna Wood, who has now had a goal involvement in each of her last three appearances. 

Chelsee Duran doubled the Highlander lead just before halftime on a header from Braelynn Llamoca in the box in the 44th minute. New Mexico looked to pull one back seconds later, but Caela Kaio came up with the same from the set piece at the top of the 18. 

UCR's defense stepped up a good 15 minutes into the second half with Kaio off her line to keep New Mexico off the scoresheet. Henry countered on the other side with a shot on net, but was called offside. Kaio came off her line once more a few minutes later, finishing her day with six saves. 

New Mexico kept the pressure on in the later stages of the second half and found the equalizer in the 86th minute. 

UC Riverside is back in action on Thursday, September 15 for a 7:00 p.m. kickoff with Loyola Marymount from the UC Riverside Soccer Stadium. Admission is free and fans can catch the action on ESPN+.