UCSB played its best match of the 2012 season on Friday night as it battled Indiana University to a scoreless double overtime tie, ending a three-game losing streak.
The Gauchos (0-3-1) could not muster a goal against the Hoosiers (3-1-1), but both teams had plenty of opportunities.
Santa Barbara goalkeeper Makenna Henry was tested for much of the night, but she was up to the task with eight saves. Twice in the first half, the junior from Fountain Valley, Calif., was forced to dive, fully extended, to preserve the shutout. The first outstanding save by Henry came in the 15th minute when Caitlin O’Connor blasted a shot towards the left post. The second came just moments later, in the 19th minute, when Indiana’s Orianica Velasquez tried for the right corner but was denied.
Hoosier goalkeeper Shannon Flower was also perfect on the night. She was forced to make several outstanding diving saves of her own. Perhaps the most impressive of Flower’s saves came in the 55th minute when she dove to turn back a blast by UCSB’s Allie Arienello.
In the end, the Gauchos had a 20-12 advantage in shots overall and a 9-8 edge in shots on goal, marking the first time in four contests this season that they have had more shots on-frame than their opponent. For the third time this season, Henry finished with a season-high eight saves. Flower had nine.
Offensively, Ortega paced UCSB with six shots, two of which were on target. Sophomore Indiana Mead had five shots, two on goal, while freshman Sara Feder had four shots, one on-frame. Velasquez led Indiana with four shots, all of which were on goal.
The Gauchos return to the Meredith Field at Harder Stadium pitch on Friday, Sept. 7, when they host Oregon State in a 5:30 p.m. match. The UCSB-OSU contest will be the first of a twinbill that night and will be followed by a men’s match between Santa Barbara and Valparaiso.
