FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The Arkansas women’s soccer team posted a season-best 22 shots, however none resulted in a goal, as they relied on a solid performance from its defense to post a 0-0 tie against Rice University at Razorback Field on Friday night.

The Razorback offense was aggressive all night, as each starting forward collected five shots apiece (juniors Ashleigh Ellenwood and Lindsay Mayo), but were unable to find the back of the net. Arkansas’ defense put on a solid display, as sophomore Cameron Carter collected six saves, her second-highest total of the year, en route to her second shutout of the season to help the Razorbacks collect the scoreless result.

Both teams had ample scoring opportunities in the first half, as there were a combined six shots on goal, with Rice leading the way with four. However, stout play from both goalkeepers kept the match in a scoreless tie after the first 45:00 of action. Carter tallied four first half saves, while Rice’s Gabriela Irribarne saved a pair of shots.

The Razorbacks led in shots (9-6), while Rice led in corners (4-2) and shots on goal (4-2) in the opening frame.

It was more of the same in the second half for the Razorbacks, as they controlled play and managed nine total shots, three on goal in the period. Claire Kelley, Tyler Allen and Ellenwood each had a scoring opportunity in regulation, but each of them were unable to finish those chances as the match moved into overtime.

In the first OT, the Razorbacks recorded three of the five shots of the period, with the best chance coming from a Mayo shot that was saved by the Rice keeper in the 94th minute.

The Owls put on a late charge in the second overtime, as their aggressive play in the closing minutes gave them a pair of scoring chances. The first came on a corner kick with less than two minutes remaining, but Arkansas’ defense stood tall and cleared the ball down field. Lauren Hughes had one final opportunity to collect the game’s first goal in the final seconds, but her shot sailed over the Razorback goal as time expired, ending the game in a 0-0 tie.

Arkansas was able to win the shot battle on Friday, as they finished the game with a season-best 22 shots, seven on goal, while Rice posted 15, with six on goal. The Owls collected 11 corners to the Razorbacks six.

Carter ended the game with six saves and posted her second shutout performance of the year. However, it would be Rice’s Amy Czyz who tallied the most saves on the night, collecting seven to prevent the Razorbacks from scoring in a game for only the second time this season.

Arkansas will be back in action on Sunday night, as they continue a three-game home stand with regional rival Missouri State University comes. Kick-off is set for 7:05 p.m., and the match can been seen on SEC Network+ via ESPN3.com or the WatchESPN app.

For more information on Arkansas soccer, follow @RazorbackSoccer on Twitter.

Postgame Notes

• Arkansas is 27-20-4 in the Colby Hale era.
• Arkansas is now 100-86-15 at Razorback Field.
• The Razorbacks are now 16-7-2 in 25 home games under head coach Colby Hale.
• 900 fans come out to Razorback Field to watch Arkansas take on Rice
• The Razorbacks are now riding a four-game unbeaten streak at Razorback Field. The last home loss for Arkansas came on Oct. 27, 2013 when they dropped a 1-0 decision to Georgia.
• Goalkeeper Cameron Carter registered her second shutout of the season and the ninth of her career.

Coach Hale Postgame Sound
On tonight’s tie – “I didn’t think the weather was that big of a factor. I thought we played hard. Rice was a good team. They created enough chances to score a goal or two. We got the shutout.”

On chances and momentum – “I think we applied a lot of pressure. We created some chances to score. Ultimately, you have to put those away.”

On defensive effort and goalkeeping – “She (Cameron Carter) made some good saves; both teams did. There was a lot of shots, 30 or 40, in a game that was nil-nil. But we have to have a little more composure. Maybe take an extra touch or beat a player. We are just a little panicked right now.”

On coming back Sunday night – “We will be ready. We do the Friday/Sunday all the time. We are at home.  The kids have a lot of pride so there’s no question they will come out fighting and ready to win. We will take some things from this. We fought and battled. We did what we did pretty well. We just have a few things we need to tweak.”

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