JOLIET, Ill. --- Krystal Rodriguez recorded her eighth collegiate shutout, but the University of St. Francis women's soccer team had to settle for a 0-0 tie with University of Saint Francis (Ind.) in the Fighting Saints' home opener Wednesday night on the turf of Busey Bank Field at Joliet Memorial Stadium.

The Saints (0-1-1) had their chances at scoring, especially in the second half, but had six shots stopped and another two hit either the crossbar or the post.  Both of those came in the second half when USF totaled 13 shots to just two for its guests.

Two of the saves came just 63 seconds apart midway through the second half. 

St. Francis' best opportunity at scoring in the first half came in the 31st minute when Andrea Aguirre's line drive direct kick was snared by Saint Francis (Ind.) goalkeeper Amber Morgan.  In the second half, the Saints had five good looks, including the two that hit the goal off the foot of Litzy Mendez.  The first one hit the middle of the crossbar in the 75th minute, while the second attempt hit the right post less than five minutes later.

Mendez finished with eight shots on the night, including one on goal.  Alexis Marroquin and Aguirre totaled four shots each with both players having one attempt on goal.
Morgan had to stop one final shot – her sixth of the night – with just 17 seconds remaining in the contest to author her first save of the season.

The Saints finished the night with a 20-6 shot advantage, as well as a 6-1 nod on corner kicks.  They also did not allow a shot on goal.          

Notes: Rodriguez's eighth career shutout moved her into a tie for third place on the school's career list.  The top spot is held by Yadira Estrada with ten … Mendez's eight shot attempts on the night were the second-highest in her career.  She had 11 her sophomore season in 2021 … The Saints are on the road Saturday when they travel to Kokomo, Ind. to face Indiana University Kokomo in a noon kickoff.

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