The 14^th-ranked Emory University women’s tennis team played the reigning NCAA Division III runner-up Washington University (Mo.) to a scoreless tie, in the teams’ opening game of University Athletic Association (UAA) play on Sunday.

Despite a number of chances for both teams, the squads’ defenses dominated the first half.  However, Emory did manage to outshoot Washington 9-5 in the first frame, including a 3-1 advantage in shots on goal.  Emory sophomore goalkeeper Erica Stein made one save in the first half, before giving way to teammate Kaele Leonard in the second half.

The move to Leonard would pay off for head coach Sue Patberg and the Eagles, as the sophomore made a diving save halfway through the frame on a Bears breakaway opportunity to keep the scoreless tie intact, one of five in the contest for her.  Leonard would play the rest of the match, including both overtime periods, to earn the tie for the game.

Leonard lowered her season goals-against average to 0.18, as her record moved to 6-0-2 for the campaign.

On the offensive end, Emory senior Melanie Levy led the team with four shots during the game, two of which were on goal.  The Eagles and the Bears finished tied with 15 shots apiece in the game.  Emory held an 8-5 advantage in corner kicks, while the Bears took six shots on goal to Emory’s four.

With the tie, Emory remained undefeated on the season with an 8-0-2 overall record, while Washington now stands at 4-5-1.  It was the second-consecutive year that the Eagles and the Bears have played to a tie, and the third overtime game between the two teams over the last four meetings.

The Eagles will be back in action next Saturday, October 9^th, hosting the University of Chicago at the Woodruff P.E. Center at 11:00 AM for the team’s UAA home opener.