NEWARK, Del. - - The Wilmington University women's soccer team battled East Region power Mercy into two overtimes, but couldn't get the final touch as the Mavericks escaped, 1-0, in the Wildcats' home opener at the WU Athletics Complex on Sunday afternoon.
The Wildcats (1-2) had multiple chances throughout the contest, but the ball didn't bounce their way all afternoon, staying out of the back of the net. The Mavericks' capitalized on their lone chance in the overtime periods, scoring on the near post with 2:24 left in double overtime.
Alex Keck played a ball into the box from the right side in the 11th minute, getting past the keeper and all the way onto the back post. But Cassidy McErlain couldn't shake the defender and get a clean touch on the ball, as her shot slipped wide.
Krysta Memis had a chance in the 54th minute on a bouncing ball in the six-yard box, but she couldn't get the final touch and Cassidy McErlain's attempt went wide of the goal as well. Moments later, the Memis and the Wildcats were able to connect and score, but the goal was waved off on a hand ball in the box, keeping the score at 0-0.
Sammi Bennett put a long shot on goal in the 69th minute, but the frame kept it out, hitting the post and being cleared away before Memis could race on to it.
The Wildcats outshot the Mavericks, 9-8, in the contest, but the Mavericks earned more corners, 11-6. Emily Camp made three saves in the game, including a diving save to her right with 16 minutes left to keep the game scoreless.
The Wildcats take on the NCAA DII Defending National Champions from Bridgeport with their next contest, as they head to Connecticut for a night game on Wednesday. The opening kick is scheduled for 6:00 p.m.
