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Albuquerque, N.M. The University of New Mexico (9-6-1, 2-1-1 MWC) tied No. 24 Utah (9-1-3, 2-0-1MWC), 0-0, this afternoon in double overtime. Scoring chances were scarce in the first half, as Utah kept UNM to only four shots, while the Lobos allowed the Utes a slim five. Kristen Winters (Lakewood, Colo.) had several outstanding saves in net for UNM and ended the day with five in total.

The first 45 minutes of play, although scoreless, did not lack action. The Utes and Lobos spent a great deal of the half adjusting to each other's styles and jockeying for possession. The Lobos were strong in the air, winning a majority of the balls there.

At the 38:52 mark, Utah had an excellent chance for a goal from Missy Dennis who fired a low shot to the left corner of the Lobo goal. The junior was refused by Winters who dove to make a key save.

The best scoring opportunities for the Lobos occurred in the final minutes of the second half. In the 85th minute, LeAnne Hendren (Belen, N.M.) broke through the Ute defense and attempted to get her foot on the ball which was bouncing just outside the 18-yard box. She was quickly surrounded by two Utah defenders as well as keeper Lynnsey Asay-Kimball who snatched the ball away from a determined Hendren.

Only three minutes later, with only a minute left in the half, Abbie Partch (Albuquerque, N.M.) lined up a shot that landed just wide of the Ute goal.

The overtime periods were not void of chances. Utah continued to launch balls into the Lobo end, hoping to catch the defense off guard. On the other end of the field, New Mexico fed the ball to Michelle Longmire (Los Alamos, N.M.) who created trouble for the Utes with her speed and dangerous crosses.

Despite being backed by an enthusiastic crowd of over 2,000 fans, the Lobos were unable to put any chances away.

"To play this well and keep a top-25 team without a goal is pretty amazing," said head coach Kit Vela. "It shows what we are capable of."

The Lobos return to action at the UNM Soccer Complex on Oct. 25 at 5 p.m. with a match-up against conference foe Air Force. Immediately afterwards, the UNM men's soccer team will take to the field to face Mountain Pacific Sports Federation opponent Air Force. IQ

Lobos Women's Soccer

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