Score: Elmira College 0, Alfred State 0
Records: Elmira (0-0-1), Alfred State (0-0-1)
Location: Pioneer Stadium – Alfred, N.Y.

ALFRED, N.Y. -- The Elmira College women's soccer team battled Alfred State to a season-opening draw on Friday evening  after neither side could find the back of the net after 110 minutes of  play.

The Soaring Eagles applied constant pressure throughout the contest, earning nine corner kicks. A stout Pioneers' defense kept EC from converting, bu. Elmira's defense was not to be outdone. The Purple and Gold's backline frustrated Alfred State's forwards all night, holding the opposition to one shot on target.

Alfred State registered the chance of the contest in the seventh minute, but the try sailed harmlessly wide of starter Meghan Ray's '18 net. EC earned the first of its nine corner opportunities a short two minutes later, but couldn't convert on the service from Zoya Katta '21.

Hailey Boris '21 registered the Soaring Eagles first shot in the 17th minute, forcing the Pioneers Madison Papaj into a diving save. EC continued to dominate the pace of play over the next 13 minutes as Boris came close with a strike in the 25th minute, but Papaj kept the Purple and Gold off of the scoreboard.
Katta had a chance to push the Soaring Eagles ahead before the end of the half, but the attempt sailed wide of the frame as the period wound to a close.

Senior Gabe Carmona '18 took over between the sticks coming out of the halftime break as Alfred State cranked up the pressure to start the second half. The Pioneers tallied four shots in the opening nine minutes of play. The Purple and Gold weathered the storm, countering with their own barrage in the final 10 minutes of regulation as Katta, Arael Scott '21 and Jennifer Flynn '18 all had chances at goal, but couldn't't convert as the game headed to overtime.  

Carmona was called into action early in the first overtime period as the Sylmar, California native, made a lunging stop against Alfred State's Carissa Pompa to keep the score level at 0-0. EC had one last chance to steal the win in the 109th minute, but Boris' final attempt narrowly missed the post as the game came to a close.

News and Notes

• The tie moves Elmira to 2-1-1 all-time against the Pioneers.
• EC's starting lineup featured two freshmen.
• Tonight's tie marks the first time the Soaring Eagles have earned a season-opening draw, since tying Bard, 1-1, to start the 2014  season.
• Scott and Katta recorded their first career shots.
• The scoreless draw is a first for the Purple and Gold since a 0-0 finish against Alfred University in 2010.

Up Next
The Soaring Eagles return to the friendly confines of Campus Field this Sunday, September 2, to host the University of Mary Washington. The contest marks the fourth straight season that Elmira has battled the Eagles during the regular season. Both sides will be angling for their first win of the year as UMW enters the game after earning a 2-2 draw against Empire 8 member Houghton.