PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. – Offensive opportunities were at a premium for the Plattsburgh State women's soccer team on Saturday afternoon as the Cardinals battled Bard College to a 0-0 double-overtime tie in the final game of the 2013 Best Western Cardinal Classic at the Field House Complex.

By virtue of their goal differential, the Cardinals finished third in the annual four-team tournament. No. 21-ranked St. Lawrence took home the team crown while SUNYAC foe Oswego State placed second.

Sophomore forward Melissa Rodriguez produced the first shot of the tilt, sending a hard ground ball toward Bard keeper Lily Harris with 8:33 gone in the opening half.

Just over two minutes later, Bard's Hallie Nolan sent a high arcing shot toward Plattsburgh State net protector Charisse Abellard for the Raptors' first shot of the tilt.

Both the Cardinals and Raptors employed some strong defensive play throughout the non-conference bout, and as a result only 21 combined shots were attempted.

Once again, it was senior Emily LaLone who almost produced the first – and only – goal of the game. With 105:11 gone and less than five minutes showing on the clock, the Watertown, N.Y., product set up for a free kick that glanced off the Bard crossbar and out of play.

Abellard made five saves and improved to 1-2-1 while Harris recorded six stops and moved to 0-1-1 in 2013. Rodriguez led the Plattsburgh State attack with three shots, two of which were on goal. Sophomores Megan Colby and Taylor Florio each put a shot on net as did freshman striker Diana DiCocco.

Plattsburgh State enjoyed an 11-10 shot advantage over Bard, but took no corner kicks compared to six by the Raptors. Each team was whistled for an offside violation.

Next week will mark another weekend away from the Field House Complex for the Cardinals as they begin their two-game slate with a visit to Newburgh, N.Y., to take on Mount St. Mary College. The non-league game is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. on Saturday, September 14. 

GAME ONE: St. Lawrence 2, Oswego State 1
In a physical matchup, No. 21-ranked St. Lawrence emerged victorious thanks to a late goal by Samantha Rock.

Tied at one-all with 76:01 gone in the game, Rock was the recipient of a splendid pass from Offensive Most Valuable Player Julia Friesen. Rock then tapped in her first goal of the season past Oswego State netminder Steph Hotaling.

Friesen gave the Saints their first lead of the afternoon when she crossed up Oswego State's Alyssa Glasshagel and netted her second goal of the weekend just 6:50 into the match.

Tia Segretto knotted matters at one when the Laker took control of a loose ball in the box and sent it past Kelsey West. Segretto was assisted by Nicole Perniciaro at the 28:39 mark.

The Saints were whistled for six offside violations, but held a 13-10 shot advantage over the Lakers. Oswego's Nikki Liadka let her squad with three shots, all of which tested West. Erika Gobielle took four shots for the Saints, sending three of those on goal.

2013 Best Western Cardinal Classic All-Tournament Team
Bard College-Abbey Labrecque
Bard College-Joanna Regan
Plattsburgh State-Emily LaLone
Plattsburgh State-Cassidy Clavet
Plattsburgh State-Hannah Saccocio
Oswego State-Nikki Liadka
Oswego State-Georgia Traynor
Oswego State-Bri Dolan
St. Lawrence-Erika Gobeille
Defensive MVP (St. Lawrence)-Adriana Morra
Offensive MVP (St. Lawrence)-Julia Friesen

1st - St. Lawrence (2-0)
2nd - Oswego State (1-1, three goals scored)
3rd - Plattsburgh State (0-1-1, one goal scored)
4th - Bard (0-1-1, zero goals scored)