The Emory University women's soccer team came to play Tuesday night and put together one of their better performances all season, ultimately playing to a 1-1 double overtime tie against NCAA Division I opponent Kennesaw State.
The Eagles struck first as sophomore Melissa Ardizzone scored just 6:30 into the first half. Ardizzone floated Madison Phaneuf's pass right over Owls' goalkeeper Ashley Zambetti to give Emory the early lead. The goal was Ardizzone's first goal of her career and was the first goal for the Eagles in six games, snapping a scoreless streak of 501:49 minutes.
After keeping Kennesaw State out of the scoring column with stingy defense all night, the Owls finally broke through in the 81stminute as a streaking Jackie Grey headed in a Monica Herrera's cross into the back of the net to tie the game at 1-1. Senior Liz Arnold, who was fantastic all night, was able to get a hand on the header but was unable to prevent from crossing the goal line. Arnold finished perhaps her best game in Blue and Gold with eight saves which tied her career-high.
Despite being outshot 24-9 in regulation, Emory played like the better team in the overtime sessions outshooting KSU 6-2 with a 3-0 margin in shots on goal. The Eagles had four shots in the first overtime including two that looked like they would have ended the game. Anna Gurney put a shot on net from just over 20 yards out that but was miraculously saved by a leaping Zambetti. The rebound appeared as if it was going in but hit the crossbar and went out of play. Seconds later, Nikki Batthad a close range opportunity but was saved by Zambetti. In the second overtime period, Cristina Ramirezbeat her defender on the right side and put a shot on goal with 20 seconds remaining but her shot was stopped by the KSU goalie.
Emory now faces three straight UAA schools at home to close out the 2015 regular season. The Eagles will host #8/9 Brandeis University on Friday evening at 5:00 PM followed by a meeting with NYU on Sunday morning at 11:00 AM.