The Cyclone Classic kicked off the women’s soccer season with a home opener against the Blazers of Alabama-Birmingham. After 120 minutes of Cyclone domination the game ended in a 0-0 tie on Sunday afternoon. Statistically the ISU women were in complete control of the entire game, out shooting the Blazers 30-3. Trouble converting on point-blank chances plagued the Cyclones throughout the game. “I was frustrated and disappointed, but we played well overall. We weren’t fortunate enough to get a goal and a win,” player Katie Antongiovanni said. The first half was all Cyclones as they out shot the Blazers 10-0, but couldn’t break into the scoring. In the 38th minute Antongiovanni took a sliding shot at the right side of the goal, only to have Blazer goalkeeper make a diving save that kept the game scoreless at the half. Antongiovanni said, “It was very discouraging, especially with the offense producing.” The second half almost mirrored the first with the Cyclones controlling the ball. Another ten shots were fired off by the Cyclones, but they were still unable to convert. The closest shot came in the 49th minute, when Nicole Wilcox centered a pass to Krista Odenwald whose shot missed by mere inches as it ricocheted off the top of the goal. “We just have to keep going at the goal. I think if we would’ve scored our initial goal then we could’ve scored five, but it’s just one of those things that happens”, said ISU women’s head soccer coach Stephanie Gabbert. Fatigue and frustration began to set in as the game went into extended play. Both overtime periods showed more of the same as the Cyclones were unable to capitalize on numerous opportunities. The soccer marathon finally came to a finish with neither team victorious in a 0-0 tie. Defense was the name of the game for the Cyclones. Great play by the backs kept the Blazer shots on goal to a minimum. “Our defense did great. They didn’t have any dangerous shots, so the saves our keeper had to make were very routine,” Gabbert said. “Our backs are playing very well.” After controlling the Blazers and only coming away with a tie, the players and coaches are looking forward to their game against Ohio University. “It’s just going to make us come out that much harder tomorrow,” Antongiovanni said after the game on Sunday. “It will be interesting to see how we come back from this,” Gabbert said. Two Cyclones were injured in the contest. Defender Lindsey Lees suffered a broken hip, while mid-fielder Ali Sullivan reinjured her collar bone. Sullivan injured her collar bone earlier in the week at practice; it’s unknown how long Lees will be out. The Cyclone Classic wraps up today with the Cyclones playing host to Ohio University at 2 p.m. “How we play against Ohio is going to be important. We can’t get into a sprinting match going end to end,” Gabbert said.