Women’s soccer: VMI, Delaware State battle to scoreless tie

Despite late match drama, the VMI Keydets and Delaware State Hornets battled to a scoreless tie in non-conference women’s soccer action Thursday afternoon in Lexington, Va. It was the first 0-0 result for VMI women’s soccer since Nov. 1, 2009 against South Carolina State.

With the match scoreless in the final minute of the second overtime, VMI (6-11-1) defender Eryn Daman was assessed a red card about five yards outside the box, giving Delaware State (6-9-2) a golden opportunity. The Hornets could not capitalize, however, as Elise Pratt fired the resultant ball high and time ran out.

Delaware State held the edge in total shots, 11 to 9, but VMI had the only two shots on goal on the unseasonably warm day. It was the third time this season that the Keydets held an opponent to one shot on goal or fewer, following wins over Hampton (zero) and Francis Marion (one) earlier this season.

The best chance of the day for the visitors, despite the drama late, actually came in the first 30 seconds. Samantha Bahr fired a shot off the right post in the opening sequence of the match, but the rebound was cleared away harmlessly. Later in the half, Blake Cashin tested DSU keeper Michele Lammers, but Lammers made the save easily as the match went to halftime scoreless.

The first three minutes of the second half featured VMI’s two best scoring chances of the day. In the opening moments, Sydnie Bligh nearly scored and, in fact, did put the ball past Lammers, but the goal was waved off due to a foul having occurred.

At the 47:36 mark, Olivia Cotton was stopped by Lammers on a diving save to the keeper’s right. Lammers landed awkwardly on the ball on her right side, causing it to come somewhat free as she dislodged herself, but in what proved to be a game-saving play, she rolled over and smothered it before a fast-closing Bligh could tip the loose ball in. That proved to be the final shot on goal of the match, as the teams engaged in a defensive struggle with limited offensive opportunities the rest of the way.

Delaware State held a 6-5 edge in corner kicks and Lammers was credited with only two saves of the match.

VMI women’s soccer will close out the regular season Sunday, taking on UNCG in Greensboro, N.C. Opening kickoff is set for 2 p.m.