VALDOSTA, Ga. – In a very even battle from start to finish, the Valdosta State women's soccer team had its chances for an upset of No. 8 Embry-Riddle Wednesday evening, but was unable to get the breakthrough goal as the teams tied 0-0 in thrilling, back-and-forth match where both sides had chances.
 
VSU (1-1-3) held a 12-11 advantage in shots and a 5-4 lead in shots on goal for the match as both teams had plenty of opportunities, but both goalkeepers were solid all evening.  Blazer senior goalkeeper Claire Timberlake made some great saves with four saves and the clean sheet, while keeper Stella Roane also had four saves.  Both keepers each climbed the ladder for saves on shots that were going to be goals.  
 
Blazer junior Sam Stauter had three shots and one on target to lead the team.  Sophomore Jenni McIntosh also had three shots with two on goal for the Blazers.
 
ERAU (1-0-2) was led by four shots and two on target for Lauryn Mateo, while Berglind Thrashtardottir and Agnes Vigholm each had two shots.  This marks the second time in three years the Blazers and Eagles have played to a draw.  VSU tied then-No. 2 ERAU in Valdosta, 1-1 on Sept. 6, 2023.  
 
For much of the match Wednesday, the Blazers were the aggressor.  The teams played a solid first 45-minutes as both teams had some chances.  Thrastardottir had the first shot with a save as Timberlake was up to the challenge at the 26:21 mark.  Later in the half, VSU began to find its footing offensively and McIntosh had a great shot to the bottom center, but ERAU was there for a team save at the 41:55 mark.  She then followed up with another shot moments later and a save from Roane. 
 
The second half is where the teams really shined on both sides of the ball as senior Katherine Kimmel had a free kick as Roane made a leaping save on the attempt which looked like the ball was going to sneak over Roane's head at the 51:58 mark.  
 
Later, ERAU had a shot from Lena Daase and a save from Timberlake at the 72:53 mark, followed by a free kick from Mateo and save from Timberlake in the 80^th minute.  Mateo had another good look at the 82:17 mark, but Timberlake was there for the stop.  
 
Blazer junior Kaitlyn Scherer had a great look on a fantastic serve from freshman Rhyia Mitchell to center, but Roane was able to get her hands on the ball in the 85^th minute, preserving the 0-0 score.
 
The Blazers now turn their sights to open Gulf South Conference play Saturday at 3 p.m. at the VSU Soccer Complex versus Montevallo.  
 
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