The Indiana University of Pennsylvania women's soccer squad kicked off its 2026 campaign on Thursday, only to see a lightning storm pause the action before play could resume.
When the skies cleared, the Crimson Hawks took control early, generating 15 attempts on goal, nine of which landed between the posts, yet they were unable to break the deadlock.
A Defensive Masterclass
IUP's backline limited Lake Erie to just four shots, including a single on-target effort that was comfortably saved by junior goalkeeper Sarah Gatz, preserving a clean sheet.
Freshman forward Ayla Cook led the offensive charge, firing three shots on goal, while senior Zoe Ans-Bitchoka also tested the opposition three times, each effort thwarted by the Lake Erie keeper.
Off the bench, Adi Myers managed to find the back of the net, though the goal was later disallowed, leaving the final score locked at 0‑0.
The team utilized 16 different players throughout the match, with Cook and Ans-Bitchoka the only ones to register multiple shots on target.
Looking ahead, the Crimson Hawks are scheduled to meet Edinboro's Fighting Scots on Saturday at noon, hoping to translate their early-season momentum into a victory.