Box Score 

BALTIMORE - Lehigh and Loyola played a tight, back-and-forth game as both defenses impressed in a scoreless draw on Saturday evening. The Mountain Hawks picked up their 10th shutout of the season (in 13 games) while improving to seven points (2-2-1 in Patriot League play). Freshman Sam Miller made a pair of saves on the evening as the defense didn't allow a shot on goal for the game's final 64:15.
 
"Loyola is a pretty tough place to play," said Lehigh head coach Eric Lambinus. "They're a really organized and disciplined team. I thought 0-0 was a fair result given the game that was played. Both teams had some chances."
 
Entering the contest, the Mountain Hawks were tied for fourth place in the league standings while the Greyhounds stood in sixth.
 
"Loyola played well early and it took us a little bit of time to adjust to the conditions," said Lambinus. "Once we adjusted, I thought in the second half, we played a lot better in sticking to what we want to do and changing things in how we attack them. I thought we defended extremely well."
 
Loyola recorded the game's first three shots, and corner kicks, all within the first seven minutes, but the first two shots were off target while Miller made the save on the third to keep the game scoreless. The Mountain Hawks quickly responded with an opportunity as a shot from freshman Sidonie Warneckershot was saved in the 11th minute.
 
After a Greyhounds' shot in the 12th minute, there were only two shots the rest of the half, one from each side, as the game went into halftime scoreless.
 
Miller made her second save just 45 seconds into the second half, then Lehigh began to create opportunities. In the 56th minute, Warnecker played the ball ahead to sophomore Sabrina Mertz, looking to loop the ball over the goalkeeper, but the shot sailed high. Then, beginning in the 62nd minute, the Mountain Hawks created three consecutive corner kicks, which led to a 66th-minute header from junior Adrian Vitello that was off the mark.
 
The Mountain Hawks continued to attack down the stretch, earning the final two shots of regulation, including a chance from Mertz, which was saved by Lily Andres.
 
Loyola had the only two shots of the first overtime while Lehigh fired the only three shots of the second extra session as the game ended in the Mountain Hawks' first scoreless draw since the season opener at Monmouth.
 
Final shots were tied at 10 while the Mountain Hawks held a 9-8 edge in corner kicks.
 
"We got back to defending the way we defend," said Lambinus. "They were really solid, exactly the way we want to defend. Once we settled in, I thought the defense locked them down and did a really good job."
 
Lehigh returns to action next Saturday when it hosts Boston University at 1 p.m.
 
"We have four games remaining and need some points out of those games," said Lambinus. "I think we're on track and we're playing pretty good soccer. This is what the Patriot League is about; they're all really tough games.
 
"It's good that we'll have a week off to prepare for BU. I'm happy the game is at home. BU's a really good team. They played a great nonleague schedule and they've won four in a row."
 
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