Aug 30, 2013
VIDEO: Jason Neidell Discusses Lady Toppers Tie Versus Rice
VIDEO: Kelsey Burnette Talks About WKU's Tie Against Rice
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. - WKU outshot Rice 23-8 and put 11 shots on goal in 110 minutes of action but two overtimes wasn't enough to decide Friday night's battle at the WKU Soccer Complex as the Lady Toppers tied the Owls 0-0.
The Lady Toppers (0-1-1) controlled the majority of the game offensively, firing 11 shots on goal. Rice goalkeeper Amy Czyz wouldn't budge between the posts, however, as she saved all 11 of WKU's near scores.
WKU's best chances came in the final 15 minutes of the first half, putting six shots on goal in the waning moments of the frame. Freshman Christine Gordon began the shot fest, sending a shot from the 18 yards out at the 30:31 marker that Czyz was able to save. Fellow freshman Kelly Phipps fired one on goal less than a minute later to no avail.
Midfielder Haley Baldridge got two good looks on goal, including a direct shot with 6:21 left in the first half. Baldridge's shot caromed off Czyz's acrobatic save and Lauren Moats nearly came through on the rebound, but a diving save by Czyz kept the ball out of the net.
WKU dictated the pace of the second half and overtime periods, outshooting the Owls 15-4 in the final 65 minutes, including 7-0 in the two overtime periods. The Lady Toppers best look came with 2:23 left in regulation when Gordon's free kick nearly found the upper left corner before another Czyz save.
Senior Kiersten Ottaway won a corner in traffic during the second overtime period and put a header right on goal, but Czyz saved the Owls (0-1-1) once more. Sun Belt Conference Preseason Offensive Player of the Year fired a laser at the goal with 50 seconds remaining in the game, but just like the 10 previous occasions, Czyz was there for the save.
WKU goalkeeper Nora Abolins made one save, earned her first shutout in a Lady Topper uniform and has now gone 153:53 without allowing a goal.
The Lady Toppers will aim for their first win of the season Sunday when they host Missouri Valley Conference foe Indiana State at the WKU Soccer Complex at 1:00 p.m. (CT). All fans presenting a church bulletin at the game will be granted free admission. For tickets and more information on WKU Soccer, call 1-800-5 BIGRED or visit WKUSports.com.
