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HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. – Northern Kentucky University goalie Tanner Ruberg stopped 13 shots by Murray State as the Norse women's soccer team played the visiting Racers to a scoreless tie in two overtimes on Sunday.
Ruberg made a pair of outstanding saves during the first eight minutes of the contest, including a leaping stop to prevent a shot by Murray State's Julie Mooney from going into the net. In the first overtime, Ruberg again denied the Racers a goal when she blocked a breakaway attempt from Mooney inside the box.
"I thought it was important to see Tanner Ruberg make a big save early in the game in just her second college game," NKU head coach Bob Sheehan said. "Obviously, we are going to ask Tanner to make those kind of saves for us to help keep us in the game. We are looking for big things from her, and we are really pleased with her performance today."
Ruberg is a sophomore from Fairfield, Ohio, and a transfer from Western Kentucky.
Murray State (1-0-1) finished with a 24-16 edge in shot attempts, with 13 of those strikes on goal. The Racers also held a 5-4 advantage in corner kicks.
NKU (0-1-1) almost pulled out a victory in the 109th minute when Allison Ponzer's shot from the right wing was deflected by Murray State goalie Savannah Haberman. The ball landed on the ground just outside the left post, where NKU's Megan Frye attempted a shot that sailed high and over the goal.
Haberman collected six saves in goal for Murray State. Ponzer – whose 20-yard strike bounced off the right post in the 93rd minute - and Sami Rutowski each attempted four shots for NKU.
A year ago, NKU posted a 4-2 victory at Murray State. The Norse lead the all-time series with the Racers, 1-0-1.
NKU travels to Indianapolis, Ind., on Wednesday to meet Butler. That contest is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. The Norse then return home to play Tennessee Tech next Sunday at noon at the NKU Soccer Stadium. Â
