Villanova leaves Founders Field after scoreless deadlock

Even double overtime on Friday at Founders Field couldn’t decide the game, as the Pitt women’s… Even double overtime on Friday at Founders Field couldn’t decide the game, as the Pitt women’s soccer team tied Big East foe Villanova, 0-0. The overtime game marked the second in as many games for the Panthers, as well as their third on the year. Despite the deadlock, Pitt coach Sue-Moy Chin said she felt her team played well and was particularly pleased with her team’s control of possession. Pitt came out strong in the first half, with senior Jennifer Kritch taking the first two shots of the game. ‘The work rate was really good today,’ said Chin. ‘We just have to finish our chances.’ But it was Villanova that finished the first half strong. Pitt goalkeeper Morie Kephart saved two shots during the period’s last two minutes and finished with five saves overall. Pitt’s best scoring chance came in the 44th minute when Laura Berbert fired a shot but couldn’t finish. The Panthers continued to find scoring opportunities in the second half but continued to struggle with finishing. Ashley Habbel started the half with a shot that sailed wide, and Villanova goalkeeper Molly Williams saved the next two shots, both taken by Kritch. ‘We started off the game strong, and we continued it in the second half,’ said Chin. ‘We had no let-downs, which was good.’ Although both teams had scoring chances in regulation, neither one capitalized on its opportunities. The trend continued into both overtimes. Villanova’s best scoring possibility came in the first overtime, when Erin Hardimen’s shot was blocked and the follow-up by Laura Sylvester missed the net. The Panthers had a chance to break the tie in the second overtime, but Villanova’s Williams came up with another save. ‘Villanova is a really good team,’ said Chin. ‘We got a point out of the game, so we’re happy and going forward.’ The game moved Pitt’s record to 5-10-1 overall and 2-5-1 in the Big East, while Villanova stands at 11-4-1 overall and 4-3-1 in the conference. The game marked the second-to-last home game for Pitt and its senior. Chin expressed her pride for Kritch and Kylie Veverka, who is also a senior. She said they led the team all year, both emotionally and by example, while trying to set a new standard for the program. ‘Both seniors played really well today and led us with emotion and with the work rate,’ said Chin. ‘Hopefully we do what we need to do in the next three games, and we can prolong our season a little bit longer for them.’ Kritch and Veverka played their final home game on Sunday against Georgetown and will finish their regular season traveling to South Florida Oct. 24 and Marquette Oct. 26.