BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — Instant replay went from the Bellarmine University women's soccer team's worst enemy to its best friend Friday night against Indiana at Bill Armstrong Stadium.
In the final minute of the first half and then in the last minute of the match, the officials engaged in video reviews to determine whether handballs were committed inside the box. In both instances, the ruling was that infractions did indeed occur.
Bellarmine experienced both sides of the emotional spectrum as a result, conceding its only goal on a penalty kick before improbably delivering the equalizer on a PK, culminating in a 1-1 draw against the Hoosiers.
For the second straight season, head coach
Steve Bornhoffer's Knights (0-1-1) produced a result against high-major Indiana. Last year, Bellarmine knocked off the Hoosiers 2-1 at Owsley B. Frazier Stadium.
The game-winning goal was recorded in the 80th minute of that upset. The latest episode was no less dramatic.
Although it appeared Bellarmine took at least two attempts, the Knights had not been credited with a shot as the 90th minute rolled around with them trailing 1-0. As the saying goes, "it just takes one," and Bellarmine got that opportunity after Indiana (2-0-1) was called for a handball in the box following a video review.
Ella Flynn, a freshman midfielder playing in just her second collegiate game, stepped up to take the ensuing PK attempt. IU's goalkeeper made the correct read, but Flynn nevertheless ripped her shot inside the right post for the first goal of her career, not to mention the Knights' first of the season.
A mere 44 seconds remained at that point, and the teams exited the field after a stalemate.
Bellarmine's jubilation could have been devastation. Although Indiana was credited with 17 shots, the Knights' defense was phenomenal. Bellarmine allowed a minimum of truly dangerous chances and largely minimized serious threats.
Both teams arguably deserved clean sheets. While Indiana's was wiped away in the 90th minute, Bellarmine's chance was negated in the 45th minute. A video review of a potential handball in the box went unfavorably for the Knights, and Indiana's Piper Coffield was successful on her PK opportunity.
Redshirt sophomore goalkeeper
Anna Jenkins collected four saves for Bellarmine, which will play at 7 p.m. (ET) Thursday at Northern Kentucky.
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