NORFOLK, Va. – Auburn wrapped up its non-conference schedule with a scoreless draw against Old Dominion at the ODU Soccer Complex Sunday afternoon.
The Tigers (4-3-2) became the first team to earn a result against the Monarchs (6-1-2) at home this season.
"That was a tough opponent and a tough place to play," head coach Karen Hoppa said. "Old Dominion did a great job of pressuring our young lineup. Although the tie doesn't really help us in the standings, I think this game really helped our young folks get some experience as we go into the rest of the SEC season."
The shutout was Auburn's fourth of the season, and the overtime contest was the team's third of the year, including its second straight coming off a double overtime win at Kentucky Thursday.
"It was a great team defensive effort," goalkeeper Kate Hart said. "We were trying to keep them in their half from the start and get some pressure on them. We've been focusing on being all together and holding our line. That was crucial with the through balls they like to play."
Hart and the Auburn back line haven't allowed a goal in 210 minutes dating back to the fourth minute of the match at Kentucky.
"Our defense did a great job, and Kate Hart, it was one of her best performances so far," Hoppa added. "It's a tough game to play because she wasn't getting a ton of shots, but she got a couple dangerous ones and stepped up big."
Old Dominion threatened in the 69th minute, but Hart stayed strong in the frame and made a diving save to keep the match scoreless.
After managing a pair of shots in the first half, Auburn fired off eight shots in the second half and two more in overtime to ultimately outshoot the Monarchs, 12-10.
The Tigers nearly ended the match in regulation as Hailey Whitaker hit a strike that was tipped over the crossbar in the final minute, but the two teams ultimately went into overtime.
Auburn again had a chance to end the contest in overtime as Kori Locksley got her head on a free kick played by Rocio Sanders in the 96th minute. However, the header sailed just over the crossbar.
In the final minutes of action, Alyssa Malonson took possession near midfield and dribbled up the left side before playing a cross intended for Locksley that the goalkeeper intercepted in front of the net.
Seventeen players saw action in the match, including three who played all 110 minutes.
"We're still just looking to grow and learn from this non-conference," Hart added. "We've been continuously getting better and trying to limit the mistakes. We're just trying to put everything together and get ready for SEC play, which is what really matters."
Auburn will take on Tennessee in the Tigers' SEC home opener Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at the Auburn Soccer Complex.