INDIANAPOLIS - Two matches - two shutouts. 

That's the tale of the IUPUI women's soccer team to start the season as the Jags blanked Eastern Michigan in a 0-0 double overtime tie on Sunday afternoon at Kuntz Stadium. 

By contrast, last year's team posted exactly two shutouts, albeit in 16 outings. It also marked the first time IUPUI has shut out consecutive opponents since Oct. 1 & 5, 2004.

"I thought having experience along the back line with J.J. (King) and Lisa (Gebhard), and throwing Sam (Sliney) in there as a senior leader, really makes that the strength of our team," IUPUI head coach Chris Johnson said. "I think we're really going to be able to shut some people out this year, like we've done the past two games."

It appeared as though the Jags would jump out early as the hosts outshot EMU (0-0-1) 7-1 in the game's opening 15 minutes. Senior Stacy Downing had a pair of quality chances, missing one high and the second wide right.

IUPUI (1-0-1) outshot the guests 11-8 in the first half, but had to endure an onslaught to make the scoreless tie stand in regulation. Katie Losar and Ashley Rodrigues continually tested IUPUI goalkeeper Jamie Farrell, forcing the rookie to make four saves. 

Her best stop of the contest came with just under 10 minutes left on a drive by Rodrigues. 

Upon returning to the game, Mann made two of her six saves in overtime and had a fortunate bounce preserve the whitewash. After a rather uneventful first extra period, EMU came out on the attack in the second overtime. 

Maggie Christensen rifled a shot off the cross bar in the 102nd minute, before testing Mann with a shot again in the 103rd minute.

IUPUI had a great chance in the second overtime as well when Emily Hicks won a ball in the midfield and shuttled a pass to junior Sheri Levack. After a quick turn, Levack angled a shot to the far post, but saw the ball roll just wide of the standard. 

For the match, EMU outshot IUPUI 23-21 overall and 10-7 on goal. Eagles' goalkeeper Monique Budani made seven saves for the shutout. 

Downing and Angie Pilat paced the IUPUI offense with five shots apiece. Meanwhile, IUPUI improved to 3-0-5 overall in overtime matches under Johnson, having not lost since Aug. 30, 2002, spanning 12 matches. 

"Our success in overtime is a direct result of the kids hard work in preseason," Johnson said. "We've done a lot of fitness testing in the preseason and they've worked hard over the summer to come in ready.

"It's more of a testament to the kids than it is to me. We just set the standards and they've been able to raise their expectations to achieve them.

"I can't say enough about how proud I am of our kids for what they were able to do for 110 minutes today."

On an extremely hot and humid afternoon, the core of the defense got very little rest. Samantha Sliney and April Osborn played all 110 minutes while others played over 100. 

IUPUI continues it's current four-game homestand next Friday when they host Akron in the front end of a doubleheader. Kickoff is slated for 5:00 p.m., followed by the men's match with Marian College at 7:00 at Kuntz Stadium.