Box Score TERRE HAUTE, Ind.- The Belmont women's soccer team finished non-conference play with a draw to Indiana State 1-1 in double overtime on Sunday afternoon at Memorial Stadium.
Lily Herman collected a career high 15 saves in Sunday's match, coming up with six more saves than her previous career high set on Oct. 12, 2018.
"We knew that Indiana State would bring energy to the game," head coach Heather Henson said. "We reminded them at halftime that we needed to take care of some details on the defensive side in terms of doing a better job in our defensive responsibilities in owning marks on crosses. I was very proud of (the girls') ability to make that change and clean up that detail."
With both teams going back-and-forth to open the first five minutes, Indiana State came close on striking first after a shot hit the crossbar of the goal. Senior MacKenzie Firek's first shot of the season came close to giving the Bruins the go-ahead score, hitting the end of the goal from 20 yards out in the 13th minute.
Three minutes later, the Bruins got themselves on the scoreboard. After stealing the possession away from the Sycamores, Avery Nowak passed it to an open Julie Garst for a one-on-one opportunity and her third goal of the season gave the Bruins a 1-0 lead. The goal marked the first time in Garst's career where she scored in three consecutive games and her 15th career goal put her one goal away from tying the ninth-most goals in program history.
Belmont's defense limited Indiana State's offensive chances, but the Sycamores squeezed in a goal just before the first half ended. Liz Humphrey scored off an assist from Celeste Wahlberg, tying the score 18 seconds before the first half closed.
"The biggest thing coming out of (halftime) was to be us and not give into their direct style of play and just stick to being Belmont and that mentality of playing for each other," Firek said. "Raising that intensity each time we step out onto the field and playing at another level is something we've worked on as a team. We don't want to ever come out flat."
The Bruins' defense turned into instant offense, winning a plethora of 50-50 balls to open the second half. While Belmont looked to gain the advantage offensively, it was their collective defense that prevented Indiana State from taking a lead.
Indiana State looked to capitalize off a free kick in the 79th minute, but a crucial save by Herman kept things knotted at one goal a piece. With the Bruins clogging the passing lanes and making the Sycamores' shot takers life difficult, Belmont managed to prevent any of Indiana State's shots in the final minutes of regulation from turning into a goal.
"(My teammates) definitely did make my job easier this game," Herman said. "AB (Hawkins) did a really good job and stepped up and helped us a lot back there. Her work ethic and her experience in the back line defending from previous years helped us a lot."
The Bruins competed in its second overtime match of the season, with Indiana State opening the first overtime with three shots. Herman collected her 15th save in the first overtime, allowing the game to move into a second overtime.
Thanks to Belmont's defense, Indiana State's offense was non-existent in the second half and the Bruins finished the game in a draw for the second time this season.
"Details matter and we have to take care of the ball and I thought we did a much better job of that," Henson said. "I was proud of everyone on the sideline bringing energy to our team. I always say, it takes all 25 of our players to win a conference championship. Today, everyone did a fabulous job of bringing that energy."
Belmont starts OVC play at SEMO on Friday at 6:30 pm.
