MANSFIELD, Pa. - Freshman goalkeeper Samantha Merklin (Effort, Pa. / Pleasant Valley) recorded her fourth shutout of the season on Saturday night, Oct. 8 to lead the Mansfield University women's soccer team (2-9-2, 0-9-2 PSAC East) to a 0-0 draw against Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Eastern Division rival Lock Haven University (3-6-3, 1-6-3 PSAC East) at Karl Van Norman Field on Senior Day.

Prior to the game, the MU Athletic Department and the women's soccer program recognized seniors Gabby Swan (Liverpool, N.Y. / Liverpool), Olivia Bowman (Johnson City, N.Y. / Johnson City ), Kiara James (Bethlehem, Pa. / Freedom) and Jordan Miller (Davidsville, Pa. / Conemaugh Township) for their contributions and dedication to the program. 

The Mounties and the Bald Eagles each picked up one point in the conference standings with the tie.

Merklin had a game-high seven saves, while the Mounties' defense forced the ball to midfield throughout the contest, despite facing an aggressive Bald Eagle attack that finished with a game-high 19 shots. 

The biggest save of the night for Merklin came with just over two minutes remaining when LHU fired a low line drive that the freshman denied to preserve the tie. 

The best opportunity for the Mounties' offense came in the final minute of the game when junior Emily Smith (Lehman, Pa. / Lake-Lehman), crossed the ball to fellow junior Bailey Dockman (Waynesboro, Pa. / Saint Maria Goretti) who missed right.

The three shots for the Mounties came from junior Taylar Luckenbill (Harrisburg, Pa. / Central Dauphin), Bowman, and junior Madison Reinert (Oley Valley, Pa. / Oley Valley).

The Mounties travel to West Chester on Wednesday, Oct. 12 for a 1 p.m. PSAC East match.