ERIE, Pa. –  For the third consecutive time in 2021, the women's soccer teams of Gannon University and Mercyhurst University have battled through all possible 110 minutes of the game to end in a draw. The pair of matches contested between the two schools in the spring were exhibitions, and, including Wednesday night at McConnell Family Stadium, the last two of those ties have ended without a goal from either team—but certainly not for lack of trying.
 
The teams combined for 31 shots, 33 fouls, 16 saves, and countless scoring chances that were denied through excellent goalkeeper play and tenacious defense by both sides.
 
Mercyhurst's Karah Van Horn got loose behind the Golden Knights defense in the 69^th minute, earning a one-on-one opportunity with Gannon keeper Kennedy Solymosi (Eastlake, Ohio/Lake Catholic). Solymosi came off her line to deny Van Horn's first shot, but the rebound fell right to her boot and a second effort was just inches high of the crossbar.
 
Gannon's Taylor Lewis (Erie, Pa./Harbor Creek), the team's leading goal-scorer, had space to shoot on a number of occasions, including as time was expiring in regulation, but the shot bent towards Mercyhurst keeper Maddie Elbro, who fell on it to force overtime.
 
The two extra periods were fast and furious, with both sides emptying the gas tanks and dealing with fatigue. Gannon fired five shots throughout both overtimes to Mercyhurst's two and finished the game with a slight 18 to 13 shot lead (including 10 that were on-target compared to the Lakers' six.)
 
The tie now moves the all-time series between the two institutions to 25-8-6 in favor of Mercyhurst.
 
The Golden Knights will be back on the pitch at McConnell Family Stadium this Saturday, Sept. 18 at 1:00 p.m. to continue conference play against IUP.