HOUGHTON, N.Y. -- After 110 minutes of play, Houghton and Nazareth settled for a 0-0 tie in Empire 8 women's soccer action at Burke Field on Saturday.

It was a positive result for the Highlanders against a Golden Flyer team that entered the game at 5-1-1 and held a top 25 NCAA national ranking earlier in the season.

This one -- a battle from the start -- found most of the action taking place in the middle of the field, as each team's defense turned away any early scoring opportunities. It took more than 13 minutes before either team could muster a shot, with the Golden Flyers getting off the first two. When the Highlanders finally found room to move in the attacking third, they faced Nazareth keeper Alison Dobles, who turned away two Houghton shot attempts with diving saves. 

On the other end, Shawna Sprout (Portville, NY, Portville Central) was just as adept, diving to stop a Nazareth shot late in the first half.

Houghton held a 5-3 advantage in shots at the break.

Each team was able to find more space in the attacking third throughout the second half, but most chances were turned away by strong defensive play.

Neither team could muster many chances over the 20 minutes of extra play.

The Highlanders finished with an 11-8 edge in shots, including an 8-3 advantage in shots on goal. Corners were 5-1 in favor of the Golden Flyers.

Dobles finished with eight saves, while Sprout had three.

The Highlanders (4-3-1; 0-1-1 E8) return to action on Saturday, Oct. 3 when they travel to take on E8 foe Ithaca College.