MACON, Ga. (September 22, 2006) - In their Atlantic Sun conference opener, the ETSU women's soccer team extended their unbeaten streak to three as they battled the Mercer Bears to a 2-2 double overtime tie. The Bucs are now 1-5-2 overall and 0-0-1 in the A-Sun while the Bears move to 0-8-1 and 0-0-1.

The Bucs came out fighting as they jumped out to an early lead as freshman Jordan Monty (Dallas, Texas) put ETSU on the board, heading the ball past the Mercer goalkeeper during the 10^th minute of play on a pass from Kim Jones (Springfield, Va.)

Mercer responded quickly tying the match as Darcy Stravitz headed the ball on a throw-in from Erin Theobald 15 minutes later. The Bucs and Bears continued to battle back and forth but remained deadlocked at 1-1 going into halftime.

In the second period, Mercer took the 2-1 advantage in the 60^th minute as Theobald tallied her second goal of the night on a free kick during the second half.

However, with less than 10 minutes in regulation, junior Aubree Snyder (Reading, Pa.) tied the match at 2-2 heading the ball in on a corner kick by Jones to send the match into overtime.

In the first overtime, the strong Buccaneer defense was able to shut down the Bears attack making three saves to force a second overtime.

With a roster still decimated by injuries, the Bucs were unable to score as the deadlock continued through the second overtime period to end the Bucs first conference match in a 2-2 tie.

"We took our first step in the conference journey tonight. The team battled through the obstacles that were put in front of them tonight, we fought hard and never gave up," said head coach Heather Henson. "Our injuries are still creating so many obstacles for the team, but they keep battling and fighting through it."

The Buccaneers continue conference play on the road as they travel to the Sunshine State to take on the Stetson Hatters on Sunday, September 24. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.