NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y. – Despite several great opportunities, the Niagara women’s soccer team was unable to find the back of the net and had to settle for a 0-0 tie with Loyola Sunday afternoon at Niagara Field. Niagara had several chances to break the deadlock, but the Purple Eagles could not find their scoring touch. NU is undefeated in its last four games and moves to 9-5-1 (4-1-1 MAAC), while Loyola sits at 6-5-3 (3-0-2 MAAC).

"I’m really proud of the way our team played today," head coach Peter Veltri said. "They showed a lot of courage and heart for 110 minutes. I thought we were the better team today. We created more opportunities, but had difficulty finishing."

Sunday’s game also marked the final home contest for five Purple Eagles. Seniors Brittany Bisnott (Brampton, Ont.), Natalie Frost (Elmira, N.Y.), Christina Langrell (Tillsonburg, Ont.), Erin Moreland (Lewiston, N.Y.) and Justine Sacco (Hamburg, N.Y.) all saw game action in their final match on Niagara’s campus.

"I thought all five competed well today," Veltri said. "I think the seniors left this last home game on a high note."

Niagara’s best scoring chances all came in the second half as Niagara dominated possession and oushot the Greyhounds 18-14, including 14-8 after half time. The Purple Eagles nearly went up a goal in the 47th minute when junior Stephanie Gartley (Camlachie, Ont.) received the ball off a corner kick, chested it down and volleyed a shot that went just over the cross bar.

NU’s nearly scored in the run of play at the 60:50 mark. Sophomore Chiara Greco (Hamilton, Ont.) threaded a pass that freed Bisnott behind the Loyola defense forcing Loyola’s goalkeeper, Brittany Henderson, to come out and challenge near the top of the box. Bisnott touched the ball around Henderson and caught up to it near the goal line, but her shot just missed, hitting the outside of the goal.

A little more than five minutes later, Gartley had a great chance of her own, but her attempt was denied by the goal post. However the Purple Eagles’ best chance to take the lead came at the 73:50 mark when NU earned a free shot at goal after Bisnott was pushed down inside the penalty box. Junior Ashley Mandrino (Farmington, N.Y.) took the ensuing penalty kick, but Henderson corralled the shot, preserving the tie.

Loyola nearly snuck a goal in near the end of regulation when Rachel Shuck shook a Purple Eagle defender and had only freshman goalkeeper Ashleigh Bowers (Liverpool, N.Y.) to beat. Bowers came out to challenge the shot and denied Shuck’s point-blank attempt, forcing the game into extra time. On the day, Bowers made six saves, earning her first career shut out.

The game will be broadcast on a tape-delay by LCTV and air Sunday evening at 7 p.m. on cable channel 20.

Niagara faces crosstown rival Canisius on Saturday, Oct. 27, at 1 p.m. in Buffalo.