The Mercyhurst women’s soccer team opened their 2015 season with a double overtime 0-0 tie against Indiana University of Pennsylvania on Thursday, Sept. 3, and a 1-2 loss against Lock Haven on Saturday, Sept. 5.

“The PSAC Women’s Soccer Conference is ranked third in the nation for competition, so a strong, physical and tactical challenge awaits us this year,” said Head Coach Keith Cammidge.

The Lakers outshot the Crimsion Hawks in the first half, 5-3, with early pressure from senior Lauren Testa, who made two of these shots.

Testa, a forward from Rochester, N.Y., was named to All-PSAC Third Team the past two seasons and was the leading goal scorer.

During the second half, the Lakers gave IUP early chances on net, but junior goaltender Kristen Koch held them in the game.

Senior midfielder Allie Cornacchia and grad student forward Rachel Fulton both made strong shots that were saved buy IUP’s goalkeeper, Jessica Printz.

IUP’s Lindsay Jarolmen received a yellow card at 62:37 and Testa was given a yellow card for aggressive play at 68:28.

During the first overtime, senior Fawn Mulholland had a chance to grab the win when she was given a penalty kick at 92:34, but Printz made the save.

Senior forward Kristina Roberti also tried a shot that went wide.

The Lakers had five shots on net during the second overtime.

Both teams came up empty handed with Koch making six saves and Printz making eight.

With six saves, Koch recorded her first shutout of the season.

During Saturday’s game against Lock Haven, the Lakers fell behind early in the first half when Lock Haven’s Jordan Shoff put a goal past Koch at 12:00.

Shoff scored again to start the second half on a breakaway shot.

The Lakers fought back with a goal in the 67th minute from junior forward Nicole McAlpin and assisted by Testa, but it wasn’t enough.

The Lakers had eight shots on goal during this game. Three coming from McAlpin and two from Roberti.

With the tie and loss, the Lakers begin the 2015 PSAC soccer season at 0-1-1.

“With 11 seniors, this year’s team should have the experience and talent to be very competitive within the PSAC,” said Cammidge.

Mercyhurst plays again at home against West Chester University on Friday, Sept. 11, at 1 p.m.