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CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. — Senior
Renee Kertz made her collegiate soccer debut a memorable one as the Southeast Missouri soccer team tied Saint Louis, 0-0, at Houck Stadium on Sunday night.
Kertz, who lettered four times for the Southeast softball team, made four second-half saves, as the Billikens (0-1-1) turned up the offensive pressure in the final regulation frame.
“Renee reacts immediately to the flight of the ball,” Associate head coach
Paul Nelson said. “Just like how she left at the crack of bat in softball, she moves immediately when the ball comes off the foot. She was very impressive tonight.
“Tonight was a great learning experience for the team. In the second half, we couldn't change momentum and lost a little confidence, which we talked with the team about. In the overtime, we got back to how we played in the first half, which I was pleased with.”
This is the second-consecutive season that the Redhawks (0-1-1) and Billikens have played to a scoreless tie.
Offense was particularly hard to come by for both teams in the first half. SLU attempted four shots while Southeast countered with three in the opening 45 minutes of play. The Billikens put together the best chance in the 44th minute when Jamei Borges corralled a loose ball in front of the 18-yard box and drilled a shot that clanged off the near post.
SLU held a territorial advantage in the second half, outshooting Southeast 12-2 in the final regulation frame. The Redhawks created an opportunity in the 52nd minute as
Erin Shulman got free in front of the penalty area and launched a shot that eluded BIlliken keeper Katie Walsh, but sailed a couple inches high.
Despite all the attempts, SLU did not place a shot on goal until there were just over 16 minutes left in regulation. The Billikens surged in the final moments, taking three more shots on goal in the last seven minutes. Kertz made her best save with just over five minutes left as Abbey Stock fired a high, sinking shot from 20 yards out, forcing Kertz to make an athletic leaping save to punch it over the goal.
With Kertz helping guide them to overtime, the Redhawks defense picked it up. The contest mirrored the first half of play in terms of a lack of scoring chances for both sides. Only one shot was attempted between the two teams in the extra 20 minutes of play.
Walsh made two saves to hold Southeast off the board.
Southeast continues its home stand on Friday when it hosts UMKC at Houck Stadium. Opening kickoff is at 6:30 p.m.