Sept. 10, 2006

Dayton, Ohio - The Dayton Flyers battled for 110 minutes to a tie with the Redbirds of Illinois State University at Baujan Field. The Flyers are still in search of their first win of the season as they have recorded three ties in an 0-2-3 start. Illinois State's record goes to 2-2-2 with the tie.

The Flyers had three scoring opportunities during the first half. The first chance came at the 20 minute mark when freshman Mandi Back shot glanced off the cross bar. Sophomore Amanda Gallow was on for the rebound, but her shot sailed wide left. In the 29th minute, forward Courtney Sirmans blasted a kick off a foul that floated high. Finally, in the 43rd minute, Back had another chance to score as she sent a blistering shot from 23 yards out into the waiting arms of Illinois State goalkeeper Andrea Shaw.

Trying to reenergize the Flyers, head coach Mike Tucker shuffled the lineup in the 68th minute, bringing six new players into the game including Lauren MacCormick, Carey Shubitowski, Jaime Monahan, Abril Carbajal, Lindsey Miller and Gretchen Giner. The change-up provided the Flyers with an opportunity to get some different looks on both offense and defense.

The defense of the Flyers continued to hound the Redbirds. Off a Redbird corner kick in the 105th minute, Sirmans made a spectacular header to clear a well-placed pass. Dayton also had two great looks at the goal during the second overtime period. In the 108th minute, Caitlin Proffitt took a breakaway down the middle of the field. As she placed the shot toward the keeper, a Redbird slid in and slightly altered the shot, sending the ball high. Bäck had a breakaway chance as well in the 110th minute that also went high.

In preserving the double shutout, goalkeepers for both sides had their hands full. Junior Niki Reed recorded four saves in regulation, as did Shaw for the Redbirds. During the overtime periods, Reed registered an additional two saves for the Flyers. Illinois State out shot Dayton on the day 25-18.

The Flyers must quickly regroup as they will face Northern Kentucky University on Tuesday. The match is set to kick-off at 7:30 p.m. in Wilder, Kentucky at Town and Country Park.