Pitt
Villanova
Women's Soccer Ties Villanova 0-0 in Double Overtime
10/17/2008 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
Oct. 17, 2008
INDIANOLA, Pa.—The Pitt women’s soccer team played to a 0-0 double overtime tie against Villanova on Friday evening at Founders Field. The match marked the second straight overtime game for the Panthers. With the tie, Pitt moved to 5-10-1 overall and 2-5-1 in conference play, while Villanova moved to 11-4-1 and 4-3-1 in the Big East.
Pitt controlled ball possession throughout the majority of the first half and created several scoring opportunities. Midfielder Jennifer Kritch attacked early with the first two shots of the game, although her efforts missed the net. The Panthers’ best scoring chance of the period came with a shot taken by Laura Berbert in the 44th minute.
Toward the end of the first half, Villanova initiated an offensive flurry that included three shots on goal in less than two minutes. Pitt goalkeeper Morie Kephart saved the shots taken by Erin Hardiman and Lauren McCoy. Kephart, who entered the weekend ranked No. 6 among Big East goalkeepers in total saves, would finish the night with five stops.
Pitt continued to press in the second half, as it harassed the Wildcats’ defense early with a series of shots. A strike taken by forward Ashley Habbel in the 55th minute that soared wide was the first shot of the period. Kritch followed with two shots on goal that were both stopped by Villanova goalkeeper Molly Williams.
“We started strong and continued into the second half,” said Pitt Head Coach Sue-Moy Chin. “We did not let down.”
Both programs continued to trade shots, but neither managed to score during regulation.
The Wildcats nearly scored in the first overtime, but the Panthers blocked a shot taken by Hardiman. The follow-up strike taken by Villanova’s Laura Sylvester flew wide. In the second overtime, Pitt answered with an opportunity of its own, but Williams snagged a shot taken by Habbel in the 108th minute.
Pitt hosts Big East rival Georgetown on Sunday, Oct. 19 at Founders Field. Kickoff is slated for 1 p.m. The game marks the final home match of the season, and the Panthers will honor their two seniors, Kritch and Kylie Veverka.
“They have done a good job leading by example all year,” said Chin. “We hope to reward them with a win.”
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