After a slow start to Wednesday's home opener against Southern Virginia, the Eastern Mennonite soccer women found their stride and earned a 1-1 tie in double overtime.  The decision snaps the Royals' season-opening two-game losing skid.

The Knights had all the momentum in the first half, out-shooting EMU 12-0 in the 45-minute frame.  The visitors found the net in the 21st minute, but keeper Becca Borg (Gig Harbor, Wash./Peninsula) made a few nice saves to keep it at a 1-0 deficit.

The tide started to turn for the Royals midway through the second half.  Morgan Hill (Martinsville, Va./Carlisle) attempted the women's first shot in the 68th minute.  Sam Winkler (Round Hill, Va./Woodgrove) put a shot on goal in the 72nd minute, but SVU's keeper made the save.

One minute later, the Royals finally found the net.  Hill served a corner from the left side across the face of the goal.  Freshman Sara Shenk Moreno (Harrisonburg, Va./Harrisonburg) deflected the ball through traffic and into the net, equalizing the score at 1-1.

Eastern Mennonite nearly snuck in a go-ahead score with four minutes left in regulation, but  a shot from Nora Osei (Springfield, Va./West Springfield) was saved and Hill's rebound attempt sailed high.

Each team had a handful of looks at the net in the overtime periods, but neither could hit the golden goal as they settled for the tie.

The Knights enjoyed a 27-9 advantage in shots, including 11-4 on goal.  Borg made nine saves for the women, while Hill had a team high three shots.

EMU, now 0-2-1, stays at home to take on Hood Saturday night under the lights.  The non-conference game will start at 7:00pm.

Coach Ted Erickson talks about his team after their home opener: