LEXINGTON, Va.- Sophomore Jessica Robbins converted her first penalty kick of the season in the 50th minute to knot the score at 1-1, and that is how it ended as VMI tied Longwood in non-conference women's soccer action Thursday afternoon at Patchin Field. The result brings the Keydets' record to 4-9-2 on the season, while the Lancers stand at 6-6-1.
The game's first goal came in the 21st minute, as freshman Lauren Trizna (Manassas, Va.) headed home a corner kick from the near post from freshman Kayla Huggins (North Haven, Conn.). Robbins then knotted the contest just after the intermission, as a Longwood defender was whistled for a handball in the box before Robbins (Williamsburg, Va.) stepped up to convert her fifth goal of the season.
Playing with no substitutes for their field players, the Keydets were able to trade blows with the Lancers throughout the second half, with each team unable to notch the go-ahead goal during regulation.
In the overtime period, the Lancers opened up controlling play in the first overtime, while the Keydets came back with threats early and late in the game's second overtime period. In the end, each team wound up with two shots in extra time.
The play went end-to-end for much of the contest, with the Lancers holding an 18-14 advantage in shots in the contest, while LU also held a 9-5 advantage in corner kicks. However, the Keydet defense was up to the task, as freshman Angela Redmond (Fairfax Station, Va.) made three saves while playing the first half in goal for VMI, while sophomore Kathleen Underwood (Spotsylvania, Va.) played the final 65 minutes in goal. Underwood, who was making only her second appearance of the season, made five saves to keep the Lancers at bay, while LU senior Anne Whitmore made seven saves while playing all 110 minutes.
The result marks the first time in the four-game series between the teams that the Lancers failed to collect a win. Last season, Longwood took a 5-1 decision in Farmville, matching the closest result that VMI had posted in the series until Thursday's tie.
The Keydets return to action on Sunday afternoon, hosting future Big South Conference member Presbyterian at 1 p.m., while the Lancers next take on Richmond at home on Sunday evening at 7 p.m.
