Box Score NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The Belmont women's soccer team (2-0-1) unleashed a flurry of shots in hopes to recording their third consecutive win on Friday afternoon at Rose Park. Instead, the Bruins battled to a double overtime 1-1 stalemate with visiting Indiana State (1-1-1).
The Bruins wasted little time in only the fourth meeting between the programs, attacking the ISU goal within seconds of the opening whistle. Six minutes in and BU had already tallied shots from junior Taylor Smith (Atlanta, Ga.), sophomore Meg Howard (Brentwood, Tenn.), and freshmen Heather Ferrari (Duluth, Ga.) and Belicia Mendiola (McKinney, Texas). Belmont saw several near misses as the half went on even as Indiana State settled down and got into the contest. However, neither was able to find the back of the net in the first stanza.
The second half was similar with a frenzied pace as the teams battled in the middle third, looking to control tempo and game speed. ISU would strike first, finding the back of the net in the 47th minute. The Bruins fired back less than seven minutes later, when Howard drilled the equalizer with help from Smith.
The contest went into high gear as both dug in their heels looking to find the gamewinner before the end of regulation. BU ramped up its attack of the net but was unsuccessful in finding the back of the net. The Sycamores looked to have the game in hand in the 76th minute but the goal was waved off when they were called offsides. Howard made a stunning attempt to take the match but her shot skimmed the left post in the 88th minute forcing the teams into overtime.
Despite strong play on both sides of the ball, both teams were unfruitful in both overtime periods, handing both squads their first tie of the season.
BU dominated offensively, outshooting the Sycamores, 35-10. The Bruins also held the advantage in corner kicks, 8-4.
Howard led the way for Belmont with a game-high nine shots, including the equalizer in the 54th minute of play. Smith recorded seven shots on the day.
Junior Lindsey Espe (LaCanada, Calif.) went the distance between the posts, logging 120 minutes and snagging six saves.
