MOUNT VERNON, Ohio - For only the second time this season, Grace's No. 8-ranked women's soccer team was held without a goal.
The Lady Lancers (10-1-2, 2-1-2 Crossroads League) tied No. 20 Mt. Vernon Nazarene 0-0 on Saturday in an NAIA Top 25 clash.
Grace had an impressive 25-11 advantage in shot attempts in the match, including a 10-3 advantage in shots on goal. But the Cougars (8-4-2, 1-2-2 CL) withstood Grace's attack as the match ended in a draw.
The first half was a stalemate. Grace created more chances, producing five shots and three corner kicks over the first 45 minutes. Carianne Sobey had two looks at Mt. Vernon's goal while Meghan Wiles also tried a late shot on goal. The Cougars took two shots, although neither attempt was on goal.
The Lady Lancers amped up their offense in the second half and had a number of near-misses.
Mallory Rondeau created a golden opportunity five minutes after halftime. She beat a defender along the left sideline and crossed a ball into the box, but Darcy Johnston's close-range shot went wide.
Rondeau proved dangerous again on the left side in the 57th minute, cutting inside and unleashing a low shot that forced a diving save.
With just eight minutes remaining, Meredith Hollar broke free behind the Cougars' backline. Her shot under pressure was deflected by MVNU's goalkeeper, however, and the shot rolled inches wide of the goalpost.
Hollar had two more strong looks in the final five minutes. Her first deep shot sailed above the crossbar, and the second shot was a low line drive that was saved.
The match headed to overtime where neither side managed to score the golden goal winner. The Lady Lancers were dominant offensively in the first overtime session, pinning MVNU back in their defensive side of the field. Grace took all five shots recorded in the period but to no avail.
Less than a minute into the second OT period, Sobey played a leading pass to Hollar on the right side of the penalty box. Hollar's high attempt was punched above the crossbar by the goalie. Grace continued to apply pressure on the Cougars' defense, but the visitors could not break free for a clean shot as the game ended in a scoreless tie.
The 0-0 scoreline represents Grace's eighth shutout of the year. Grace goalkeeper Abby Schue recorded three saves in 110 minutes of action.
Hollar fired off nine shots with five on goal, and Rondeau tried four shots. Grace also had a 9-2 lead in corner kicks.
"MVNU came in with a difficult defense to breakdown today. They played tough and organized and showed why they are the No. 20-ranked team in the nation. We played decently well limiting attacks at our goal, and we increased quality attacks at goal as the match went on," said Grace head coach Michael Voss. "We had numerous chances to seal off the match but did not convert. That proved costly to securing a victory. Our crew is learning that each new opponent rises to the occasion and will put their defense in lockdown. We will need to unlock those defenses whatever it takes moving forward."
The Lady Lancers return home on Tuesday for a 7 p.m. match with Goshen.
