INDIANA, Pa. – The IUP women's soccer season was just shy of three minutes old before an hour-plus lightning delay halted the Crimson Hawks' season opener against Lake Erie College on Thursday.
Once play resumed, IUP kept the pressure coming. The Crimson Hawks tallied 15 shots, including nine on goal, but could not find the back of the net in a scoreless draw with the Storm.
Freshman Ayla Cook led the IUP attack with three shots on goal, while Zoe Ans-Bitchoka also had three attempts turned away by the Lake Erie goalkeeper.
IUP's defense was stout throughout the match, limiting Lake Erie to just four shots and only one attempt on goal. Junior goalkeeper Sarah Gatz, who became accustomed to facing limited opportunities last season, once again posted a clean sheet. Gatz stopped the only Lake Erie shot that reached the frame.
The Crimson Hawks, who are dealing with injuries early in the season, used 16 available players in the opener. Ans-Bitchoka and Cook were the only IUP players to put multiple shots on goal, while Adi Myers provided the lone shot on goal off the bench.
IUP will make a quick return to the pitch, traveling to Edinboro for its first PSAC West matchup of the season Saturday. Kickoff against the Fighting Scots is set for noon.
