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Women's Soccer Battles #23 Case Western Reserve to Scoreless Draw

Women's Soccer Battles #23 Case Western Reserve to Scoreless Draw

Neither the Emory University nor the #23rd-ranked Case Western Reserve University women's soccer programs could find the back of the net through 110 minutes of action and, for most of the contest, a driving hailstorm on Friday night, playing to a scoreless draw on the campus of Case Western.

The Eagles controlled possession throughout but could not find the go-ahead goal despite outshooting the Spartans 12-2 in the second half and 4-3 in the two overtime periods.

Emory had several golden chances from the 64th minute on but were either unlucky or were foiled on an outstanding save by CWRU goalkeeper Megan Romelfanger.

In the 64th minute, Cristina Ramirez put a looping shot on net that looked like it would carry across the line but Romelfanger made a backpedaling save, slapping the ball away from the goal line.

Two minutes later, Kaitlyn Dorka fired a shot towards the far side of the net that appeared to be headed for the top corner but her shot sailed high.

In the 78th minute, Grace Edgarton booted one from close range but Romelfanger made a great one-handed save to keep the game scoreless. Eight minutes later, the Eagles had another close range scoring opportunity as Dorka fired a bullet from inside the 18-yard box but Romelfanger was there once again to make the stop.

With time running out in regulation, Emory goalkeeper Liz Arnold made a sliding attempt for a loose ball that was being chased down by a Spartan forward. However, due to the extremely wet conditions Arnold could not gain possession and the CWR forward looked to get off a shot after gaining control but her shot was blocked as time expired.

Neither team had a real scoring threat in the first overtime session but Melissa Ardizzone had two great chances in the second overtime that looked to seal the deal for the Eagles. Ardizzone's first opportunity came in the 104th minute when she drilled a loose ball inside the six-yard box that appeared to be golden but Romelfanger made a miraculous diving save, making the teams play on.

In the 109th minute, Ardizzone had the last real chance for either squad, putting a shot from just under 25 yards out on net. Her shot skidded by several defenders and Romelfanger towards the far corner, however, her shot skidded too far wide right, barely missing the open net.

For the game, Emory outshot Case 19-7 including a 7-5 edge on goal. Arnold made five saves in the contest for her fourth shutout of the season while Romelfanger made seven stops.

The Eagles will have another shot for their first UAA victory of the season on Sunday when they face #5 Carnegie Mellon at 11:00am in Pittsburgh.