AUSTIN, Texas – In a rematch of the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 contest last season, #12 St. Edward's and #4 Colorado Mesa fought to a draw, 0-0, Friday afternoon at the Lewis-Chen Family Field.
 
After falling to Colorado Mesa (0-0-1) last year, 2-1, St. Edward's was out for revenge. The Hilltoppers outshot the Mavericks, 12-6, but the visitors did enough on defense to earn the tie.
 
Colorado Mesa (0-0-1) put the pressure on early, as the Mavericks tallied three shots in the first 13 minutes of action. In the 37^th minute, centerback Blake Carlson was whistled for a red card. That sent Colorado Mesa down a man for the rest of the match.
 
St. Edward's (0-0-1) finally got things started on offense in the latter part of the first half. PABLO COVARRUBIAS had the game's best chance in the 36^th minute. The sophomore's point-blank shot just missed wide right. The half would end with no score.
 
In the second half, the Hilltoppers used the man-advantage to send seven shots at the net. Colorado Mesa goalkeeper Briley Guarneri was up to the task, as he produced three saves to send the game into overtime. Covarrubias had another opportunity to win the match in the 80^th minute. Going one-on-one with the keeper, his shot hit the side netting, keeping the game scoreless.
 
In extra time, St. Edward's was again the aggressor. Three shots for St. Edward's in the second overtime period were off the mark, as the game came to an end.
 
"We needed to get something more than just a draw when we played for a man up for over 70 minutes," St. Edward's Head Coach Brian Young said. "We will learn a lot from the match, but we also created several great chances that we needed to convert. In the meantime, we will prepare for a very good Fort Lewis team, who bring a lot of movement and energy."
 
St. Edward's will be back in action Sunday when they host perennial power Fort Lewis College. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. at Lewis-Chen Family Field. Fans can follow the action live on www.GoHilltoppers.com