ROMEOVILLE, Ill. — This season is shaping up to be the ultimate test of endurance for the Bellarmine University women's soccer team.

On Sunday in Great Lakes Valley Conference play, the visiting Knights endured their fifth double-overtime game in eight matches as they played to a scoreless tie with Lewis.

Bellarmine (3-2-3, 2-2-3 GLVC) compiled its fourth shutout of the season, but Lewis (4-4-2, 3-3-2) became the third team to blank the Knights. That's not to say Bellarmine had minimal opportunities at scoring: The Knights piled up season highs in shots (22) and shots on goal (10).

"Take the result out and I will take this performance over any other that we've had so far," Bellarmine Coach Chris Tinius said. "We had more energy and were more committed to the game plan out of the gate, and it made such a difference. I actually think as far as figuring out where we need to go for the stretch run this was our most productive weekend of the year. We learned a lot about our team, and I think we are more confident in each other and our performance today than at any point this year."

Although held scoreless, Bellarmine's attack consistently generated chances. The Knights unloaded nine shots in the first half, eight in the second, three in the first overtime and two in the second extra session. Bellarmine also had an 8-4 advantage in corner kicks.

Lewis attempted 16 shots, with only three coming on frame. Knights senior goalkeeper Taylor Smith collected the shutout.

"We were a little snake bitten in scoring, but like I've said with young kids in those spots it's going to be streaky," Tinius said. "Sometimes we are more composed than others, but we created a lot of chances. Such a better performance today."

Bellarmine hosts Illinois Springfield on Friday and welcomes Quincy on Sunday.

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BOX SCORE (HTM)