Box Score Marbel Egwuenu recorded eight saves to lead the Lee University women's soccer team to a 0-0 double-overtime tie with No. 5 Columbus State University.
The game was a back-and-forth affair. Columbus State (3-0-1) controlled possession much of the first half and took six shots to Lee's one. The Lady Flames (1-3-1) were able to withstand the pressure and remained even into halftime.
The Lady Flames came out of the halftime break with an increased tempo and kept the visitors inside their own defensive end for much of the early part of the half. As time in the second half ticked down, both teams had several opportunities to end the scoreless tie.
CSU's Shea Wilby looked poised to give the visitors the lead in the 59
th, but Egwuenu stretched out to knock the ball away. The senior from Lagos, Nigeria, made another game-saving stop with 6:45 remaining in the second half as Kiana Nicholson's blast from the wing headed for the corner of the net.
"Our defense was excellent all night and put us in a position to compete tonight," said Lee head coach Matt Yelton. "We nearly snuck a goal a few times, but our defense deserves a ton of credit to allow us the opportunity to stay in the game for 110 minutes."
Kathryn Healy nearly gave Lee the upset win with just one minute remaining in the second overtime. Her header was just wide of the far post.
Columbus State outshot the Lady Flames by a 15-13 margin. The Cougars put eight shots on frame, including five in the second half, while Lee had four shots on goal. CSU was awarded nine corner kicks to Lee's seven.
"Tonight's effort and commitment is what I am used to seeing out of our team and while we didn't come away with a win, we did put forth great effort in this match," added Yelton. "Columbus State is a very good team and will continue to get results over the course of the year. They are a very well coached team and have a very talented group of players that will do well this season."
The Lady Flames enter Gulf South Conference play Sunday evening against the University of North Alabama Lions. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.
"Sunday will be a tough one for us as North Alabama is off to an excellent start and Chris Walker will bring a very prepared team to play us, so we just have to come back with the same effort and commitment that we brought tonight," concluded Yelton.
