ERIE, Pa. – IUP goalkeeper Jessica Printz (Fairfax, Va./WT Woodson) posted her fifth career shutout, helping the women's soccer team to a 0-0 season-opening tie at Mercyhurst on Thursday night.
 
Printz, a junior, saved eight shots as Mercyhurst finished with 19 shots and eight shots on goal.
 
IUP extended its streak to 15 straight seasons without a loss in the season opener. The Crimson Hawks had won 14 consecutive season-opening games from 2001-2014, with the program's last loss in the first game coming in 2000.
 
Seven different Crimson Hawks got off a shot on Thursday night, with freshman Carley Donia (Tabernacle, N.J./Seneca) finishing with a team-high three. Junior Kiersten Zerbe (Danville, Pa. /Danville) and sophomore Lexie Palluconi (Penfield, N.Y./Fairport) each had two shots.
 
The game was even throughout, with both teams showing equal scoring chances in the first 90 minutes. The Lakers' offense turned it up in the 20 minutes of overtime, getting off seven total shots, but Printz and the IUP defense kept the game scoreless.
 
Mercyhurst's best chance at ending the game came in the 93rd minute on a penalty kick, but Printz stepped up with the save.
 
IUP and Mercyhurst were two of four Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) teams to begin the season with a tie, as California (Pa.) and Shippensburg finished tied at 1-1.
 
The Crimson Hawks will look for their first win of the year on Saturday when they return to the field at Clarion. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.
 
For up-to-date game information, visit www.IUPAthletics.com and follow IUP women's soccer on Twitter @IUPCrimsonHawk and @IUPsoccer.