NEWBURGH, NY – An evenly matched game from the opening whistle ended in a scoreless draw on Saturday as Mount Saint Mary College and Purchase College both earned a point in the Skyline Conference standings. It was the first tie of the season for the Blue Knights who now stand at 8-4-1 overall and 3-2-1 in conference play. Purchase moved to 2-11-2 overall and to 1-3-2 in league play.

Mount Saint Mary had three chances to win the game in the second overtime, but couldn't find the back of the net. In the 101st minute, junior Danielle Bucco (Washingtonville, N.Y.) launched a shot from 30 yards out that seemed labeled for the top corner but it just skimmed over the crossbar. Bucco drilled another shot in the 106th minute, testing Purchase sophomore goalkeeper Stephanie Janasiewicz (Kingston, N.Y.) who came up with a nice save. Finally, freshman Erin McKeon (Watertown, Conn.) had an opportunity in the 109th minute but pushed her shot just wide and into the side netting.

Purchase had several chances in the final ten minutes of regulation, but sophomore goalkeeper Megan Cotta (Wall, N.J.) was up to the task each time. Junior Jessica Noonan (Hauppauge, N.Y.) forced Cotta to make a diving save in the 85th minute and then had a second shot sail high in the 86th minute. Cotta also saved a shot from freshman Ashley Panepinto (North Rockland, N.Y.) in the 82nd minute.

The Panthers were forced to play with just ten players for the final ten minutes of regulation and for both of the overtime periods. Sophomore Shannon Ruiz (Rockaway Park, N.Y.) picked up her second yellow card of the game in the 83rd minute and had to leave the field.

Both goalkeepers played extremely well. Cotta finished with 8 saves for the Blue Knights while Janasiewicz came up with 12 saves for the Panthers. Senior Amy Ventimiglia (Patchogue, N.Y.) played a solid game on the back line for the Blue Knights and cancelled out several good scoring opportunities for the Panthers.

The scoreless draw was the first for Mount Saint Mary in six years. The last 0-0 game occurred on October 19, 2002 against Centenary College.

Up next for Mount Saint Mary is a Skyline Conference date with the College of Mount Saint Vincent. The Blue Knights will travel to Riverdale on Thursday, October 23 for a 4:00 p.m. start.