HANCOCK, Mich. – The Mount Mary University soccer team tied with Finlandia University today at McAfee Field. Even with two overtimes, the teams could not decide a winner as the game ended 1-1. This marks the first time since October of 2014 that the Blue Angels ended a contest in a tie. Following the stalemate, the Blue Angels move to 1-3-1 on the 2017 season.
The Lions (0-4-1) attacked often in the first half. As they applied the pressure with 10 shots, the Blue Angels deterred most of their opponent's offense only allowing three of those shots on goal. Hannah Rose (So./Jeromesville, Ohio) saved two of the three, however, Jennifer Hernandez ricocheted a rebound-shot into the net to give the Lions the 1-0 lead at 40:28.
After taking just three team shots in the first half, the Blue Angel came out firing in the second half with nine team shots. The rejuvenated effort consistently wore down their opponents.
When the Lions also attacked aggressively with three second half shots on goal, Rose withstood that aggression and was perfect in the goal box with three saves.
Mount Mary applied what seemed like fruitless offensive pressure for the first 35 minutes of the second half, until Alexa Ahlgrim (So./Inverness, Ill.) was fouled in the box on an attack. Senior Becky Onan (Grafton, Wis.), "stepped up and buried the penalty kick," exclaimed Mount Mary Head Soccer Coach Jon Gulrajani on Onan's second goal of the season.
The tie at 79 minutes would then stand throughout two overtime periods where the teams combined for three shots.
"I'm really proud of our girls today. We conceded a first half goal and then poured everything into getting a result today." Coach Gulrajani added "It was 85 degrees on the turf and we were shorthanded, we just worked so hard to get a goal to level the game. We just had so many great performances today and we really showed character."
Hannah Rose finished the game with 10 saves and moves to 1-3-1 on the season along with her team's overall record.
Following today's contest, the Blue Angels will get ready for their second home game of the year on Tuesday. Eureka College (0-3) will come to town Sept. 19 for a 3:00 pm kick off against the Blue Angels. Live stats will be made available for the contest; those links can be found at mtmaryathletics.com.
