CONWAY, Ark. - The Hendrix College women's soccer team held together to earn a 0-0 draw against Southern Athletic Association foe Rhodes College in double overtime on Saturday night at Warrior Field. The home team was outshot 32-6 but strong defensive play from
Sydney Meyer,
Ashley Baker,
Kacey Hight, and
Symone Bennett kept the score level until the end.
Jordan Rausch finished with a career-high 15 saves to preserve the draw while Rhodes goalkeeper Chandler Kuhlman made just one save.
In the first half, play was relatively even throughout the frame. Rhodes hit four shots but only put two on goal. Hendrix's only first half attempt went begging wide of the net. The Warroirs best chance in the opening frame came in the final seconds.
Samantha Lallas beat a defender to gain the end line and crossed a dangerous ball into the Rhodes box. The ball just missed connecting with several Hendrix attackers as it went through the mixer, but came out the other side and was cleared by the Lynx.
In the second frame, Rhodes took control of the tempo of the game, putting 21 shots up against the Warriors. The Hendrix defense held together though, and
Jordan Rausch made several big saves to keep the scores level and force overtime. Hendrix nearly stole the game in regulation when
Sydney King connected with a shot in the 57th minute. The ball floated over the head of the Rhodes goalkeeper but hit the crossbar, denying the Warriors a go-ahead tally.
In the first overtime, Rhodes was inches from a win when Emma Selner fired a shot from 25 yards out. The ball seemed destined for the corner, but
Jordan Rausch got just a fingertip to the ball to send it ricocheting off of the post and away from danger.
In the second overtime frame, Hendrix mustered one last chance to score but came away empty again. Lallas beat a defender again and played a dangerous cross into the goal mouth.
Lucy Moore had found some space on a brilliant run from the midfield, but Lallas' cross was just out of reach.
Rhodes is now 5-3-2 on the year and moves to 0-0-1 in conference play. Hendrix moves to 5-4-1 on the season and opens their SAA schedule with an 0-0-1 record. The Warriors will return to action on October 11 when they travel to Jackson, Miss. to take on Millsaps.
