BETHLEHEM, Pa. - In a rematch of last season’s Patriot League Championship Game, the Lehigh women’s soccer team dominated over the second half and overtime, but couldn’t find the back of the net as it played Army to a 0-0 tie on a cool Saturday evening. The Mountain Hawks (6-6-2, 2-1-1 PL) held a 16-4 shot advantage over the final 65 minutes, taking 16 of the game’s final 18 shots.

“This was a much better performance [than Wednesday against Princeton],” said Lehigh head coach Eric Lambinus. “Overall, we played ourselves into the game and got better as the game went along. We created chances, but have to put one away.”

 

It was Senior Night as Mountain Hawk seniors Jana Basubas, Megan Cain, Hannah Cochran, Leah Kulp, Ali MacLeod and Genna Pepe were recognized prior to the game.

 

Lehigh dominated down the stretch following a pair of Army chances less than two minutes into the second half. Errin Helbling had both shots; the first was blocked and the second got past Lehigh freshman goalkeeper Ashley Blanks, but senior Hannah Cochran cleared the ball off the line to prevent a sure goal.

 

From that point forward, the Mountain Hawks took control, taking 11 second-half shots, four on goal. Lehigh carried the momentum into overtime as sophomore Murphee Greeley recorded the only shot of the first OT. The Mountain Hawks then posted four in the second stanza, including a glittering chance by Greeley which was blocked by an Army defender.

 

Despite all the pressure, Lehigh was unable to find the back of the net, resulting in a 0-0 tie. It marks the third straight time the Mountain Hawks and Black Knights have played to a scoreless tie in Bethlehem.

 

A defensive first half saw only nine total shots, three by the Mountain Hawks. The best opportunities came late in the half when Blanks made a pair of saves on a sequence with just over a minute remaining until halftime.

 

Lehigh led the final shot count, 19-10 while each side had one corner kick apiece. Blanks finished with four saves across Monica Lee, who made six, including five after halftime.

 

The Mountain Hawks now hit the road for three of their final four games, beginning with a Friday night showdown at Bucknell. Lehigh then heads to Colgate Sunday before returning to the Ulrich Sports Complex for its home finale on Wednesday, Oct. 26 against defending Ivy League Champion Penn.

 

“Three points is what we’re looking for,” said Lambinus. “We got a point, but we look at it as two points lost, so we’re disappointed. We’re still in good position, though, starting to play better. Hopefully, we can carry it into next weekend.”