The JU women’s soccer team fought hard in a heavyweight bout for 110 minutes on Friday night against Belmont but a goal couldn’t be found as the match ended in a 0-0 (2ot) tie at the Ashley Sports Complex with both teams clinching tournament berths.

The Dolphins (7-6-4, 4-1-4 Atlantic-Sun) dominated much of the game, outshooting the Bruins (8-5-3, 5-1-2), 27-15, in a very offensively-minded game. Sophomore Liz Fink led the team with eight shots and sophomore Jessica Hurtado followed with six, four on goal. Sophmore goalkeeper Alexa Rooney again shone, adding 110 more minutes to her already impressive goalless streak. The Peoria, Ill. native has now played 416 minutes of shutout soccer.

“I’m extremely proud of the effort and heart that we put forward today,” said head coach Brian Copham. “It was fantastic college soccer team with two strong teams fighting for playoff position. I’m so happy with the performance from the defense, not giving up a goal in 110 minutes for the second time this season. We created great chances but, in the end, couldn’t find the final touch.”

JU held most of the possession to start the first half. The Dolphins won an early corner that led to a great delivery to the back post from Fink that found freshman defender Arianne Heaton. Heaton’s header was just wide but was a promising start for the hosts.

The Dolphins created two golden opportunities in the 27th and 35th minute. First, freshmen attackers Hensley and Leeper combined for a great one-two pass on the end line but Hensley’s curled shot just missed the left post. Sophomore Hurtado created another opportunity with several nice touches that found her playing a low cross across the face of the goal. No one was there to meet her ball but the Dolphins continued to apply pressure.

Hurtado would be in the action again in the 37th minute when she delivered a free kick from 27 yards out. The sophomore’s delivery had eyes for the goal but goalie Sari Lin made a great save to keep the ball out of the net.

The first half ended with JU dominating possession and shots. The Dolphins put two shots on goal in the half and totaled 12 shots overall, many which narrowly missed the goal.

Belmont created their first threat in the 55th minute when Annie Musacchio fired a shot from 25 yards out and the ball hit hard off the post.

Rooney would make a “heads-up” play minutes later when a deep ball was played from 70 yards out to the top of the box. Rooney charged to the ball outside of the box and headed the ball away from danger just as Erica Carter approached.

Rooney’s defensive play inspired the Dolphins and, minutes later, their best opportunity of the match up to that point would follow. Jelena Vrcelj played an asking ball through the middle of the box that midfielder Becca Massip would connect with in front of the goal and just put wide.

In the 78th minute, Hensley took a fabulous header from Leeper and was in on goal. Her shot beat the keeper but also the far post.

The Bruins really applied the pressure in the 83rd minute when the visitors won three consecutive corners but the fantastic Dolphin defense came up with three strong clears.

Hurtado found herself in on goal again as she weaved through the middle of the field in the 86th minute. The sophomore took a shot from just outside the 18-yard box and was bobbled by Lin before the goalie was able to fall on the shot.

The first half of overtime saw very few opportunities and a lot of defensive soccer; each team trying to avoid making a crucial mistake.

A cross by Musacchio in the 102nd minute off of a free kick fell into the back of the box and landed at the feet of a Bruin forward. Her shot was heading for the back of the net until Rooney came up with a great save.

In the last gasps of the second overtime, the Dolphins won a corner that was played in beautifully and connected by Leeper. The freshman’s shot sailed agonizingly close to the goal but was just wide for the end of the match.

The play of JU’s two forwards, Leeper and Hensley, was very promising as each player was able to constantly win balls in the air and turn on their defenders.

The Dolphins have now dropped only one game in the last 11 matches and are undefeated in their last six.

Technically, JU is still alive in the race for the regular season championship. With a loss from Kennesaw State, Belmont and Stetson and a win against Lipscomb, the Dolphins would take the title.

The Dolphins are back on the field on Sunday when they take on Lipscomb in the final regular season game of the year. Play starts at noon and will be prefaced by senior day where Regan Riley, Britney Hernandez and Krissy Toth will be honored.