Nov. 9, 2002

LOS ANGELES - The Loyola Marymount University women's soccer team ended the regular season with a 0-0 double overtime tie against Saint Mary's on a rainy, muddy Saturday afternoon at Sullivan Field. Freshman Kelly Lewandowski led the Lions with three shots in the game. LMU's record stands at 10-6-3 overall/3-3-1 in the West Coast Conference, while SMC moves to 9-9-2 overall/3-3-1 in the WCC.

On a day in which the weather turned the playing field into what could be described as a goalkeeper's nightmare, the eventual outcome proved to be a goalkeeper's showcase. SMC keeper Ruth Montgomery and LMU keeper Elizabeth Skhal had the daunting task of keeping a wet, muddy and slippery ball out of the net. Montgomery made seven saves as she was peppered with 15 Lion shots on the day. Skhal, who faced eight shots, made two saves. Both keepers were a little lucky and had some help from the wind and the goalposts.

LMU posted nine shots on goal. Haleigh Roach, Shari Nishikawa and Lori Sims each tallied two each. Kellie Schroeder, Laura Trask and Lewandowski each collected one. Lewandowski and Schroeder each put their heads on balls late in the game that could have given the Lions the lead. Both saw their shots miss the net by inches high and wide.

The Gaels missed a chance to take an early lead in the first half. Shauna Rech took a shot just two minutes into the game which hit the crossbar, bounced out in front of the goal and was cleared out by an LMU defender. SMC had another good chance in the second half when Sarah Takekawa saw her six yard shot in front of the Lion goal blocked by a Lion defender.

The Lions dominated both overtime periods, drawing three corner kicks to SMC's none. LMU got off four shots in the extra periods but could not find the back of the net.

The Lions have ended their 2002 regular season, but with a 10-6-3 overall record, have high hopes of earning their first-ever NCAA Tournament bid. The NCAA selection show will air on ESPNews on Monday, November 11 at 1:30 PST.