WEST HARTFORD, CT ? The University of Hartford women's soccer team played to a scoreless tie in its America East opener against Stony Brook University on Thursday night at Al-Marzook Field.
Each team had chances to score during regulation and overtime but couldn't find the back of the net. Hartford's record moved to 2-5-3 overall and 0-0-1 in the America East. Stony Brook's record moved to 4-2-4 overall and 1-0-1 in the conference.
The Hawks dominated play in the first half and outshot the Seawolves 11-1 in the stanza. Hartford's best two scoring chances came just over a minute apart. Freshman Mary Beth Hamilton put a shot over the head of goalkeeper Marisa Viola in the 33rd minute that nearly crossed the goal line before a SBU defender cleared it away. Moments later, sophomore Laura Guigli fired a shot from just outside the box that hit off the crossbar and popped straight up into the air.
Stony Brook came out more aggressive in the second half and put all five of its shots on goal. Senior keeper Elizabeth Cook was up to the task, however, stopping every shot to keep the Hawks in the game. Hartford's best scoring chance of the half came in the 61st minute. Junior Kacey Busque moved the ball up the right sideline before leaving it off for senior Meagan Riemer near the corner. Riemer crossed the ball into the box where it was one-touched out to Guigli, whose blast sailed just over the crossbar.
Hartford took three shots in the first overtime period and put two on goal, but to no avail. Viola was sharp all night long, making seven saves and extending her scoreless streak to over 561 minutes.
The Seawolves had their best scoring opportunity in the final overtime frame. Stony Brook dropped a long pass over the Hartford's defensive line that was tracked down by Aria Tanzi. Cook had moved out of position in an attempt to get to the ball first, but Tanzi beat her to it and volleyed a shot over her head to the far post. Junior defender Stephanie D'Aurio saved the game for the Hawks by racing to the goal line and clearing the shot away at the last moment.
Cook, who hasn't allowed a goal in her last 308 minutes, was solid in goal despite having missed the last two games. She finished with five saves while recording her third shutout of the season.
Hartford will next play at Binghamton University on Sunday, October 7 at 1 p.m. Last season the Hawks beat the Bearcats 2-0 in West Hartford.
