ERIE, Pa. – The Mercyhurst women's soccer team opened the 2015 season with a 0-0 tie in double overtime against Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Foe Indiana (Pa.) Thursday afternoon. Kristen Koch led the Lakers with six saves and pitched her first shutout of the season.

Lauren Testa started the game off by putting pressure on the Crimson Hawks defense with two early shots on net that went wide. The Lakers fed off Testa's early offensive force and went on to outshoot IUP in the first half, 5-3.

Mercyhurst's sluggish second half start gave IUP some early chances on net, but Koch was able to come up with two early saves to bring the momentum back in favor of the Lakers. After a yellow card was rewarded to Testa for an aggressive play, Allie Cornacchia immediately followed the penalty with a shot that was just wide of the net at the 69:33 mark. Soon after, Rachel Fulton would follow with a strong shot on net but was saved by IUP keeper Jessica Printz. The Lakers kept up the pressure for the remainder of the half, ending with three consecutive shots that just went wide.

The Lakers were given an opportunity to take home the win at the beginning of the first overtime when Fawn Mulholland was rewarded a penalty kick with 92:34 showing on the clock but was the shot was saved by Printz. Kristina Roberti would also have a good look at the net but just missed wide left.

Mercyhurst would go on to put five shots on net in the second overtime frame along with a corner kick opportunity. However, the Lakers would come out empty handed in the hand as Printz would match Koch and post a shutout with eight saves of her own.

With the tie, the Lakers and Crimson Hawks begin the 2015 PSAC soccer season 0-0-1.

Mercyhurst will take the field again Saturday, September 5, at Lock haven for another conference matchup. Game time is scheduled for a 5:00 p.m. kickoff.