CEDAR FALLS — UNI goalkeeper Hailey Luedtke turned away four shots Sunday, October 18, helping the Panthers salvage a valuable conference point in a 0-0 draw with Murray State as their push for an MVC Tournament berth heads into its final three matches.
The Panthers were outshot 9-6 and did not attempt a shot in the first half, but their defense held firm. Luedtke recorded her second career shutout, including a late save that preserved the draw.
UNI sits eighth in the Missouri Valley Conference standings. Only the top six teams qualify for the conference tournament.
Luedtke keeps Racers off the scoreboard
Murray State controlled the first-half shooting opportunities, recording all four attempts before halftime while UNI committed eight fouls.
The Racers’ first shot on goal came in the 18th minute, when Addison Howell tested Luedtke. Murray State put two more attempts on target before the break, but neither found the net.
UNI began generating chances after halftime, with Kylie Knief and Ella Ubben recording its first two shot attempts.
Morgan Smith put a shot on goal in the 64th minute, but Murray State goalkeeper Griselda Revolorio made the save. Ubben tested Revolorio again in the 67th minute without breaking the deadlock.
Murray State threatened once more in the 86th minute, when Erin O’Shea put a shot on target. Luedtke stopped it to keep the match scoreless.
Three matches remain in postseason pursuit
Ubben led UNI with two shot attempts. Smith, Knief, Shaelee Franck and Allison Flies each added one. Smith and Ubben accounted for the Panthers’ two shots on goal.
The draw moved UNI’s all-time record against Murray State to 2-1-2 and marked the teams’ second consecutive tie.
UNI has shown its ability to keep opponents off the scoreboard, including an earlier shutout of Belmont that snapped a 14-game winless streak. Sunday’s defensive effort kept another point within reach as the Panthers chase a postseason spot.
Northern Iowa closes the regular season with road matches at UIC and Southern Illinois before hosting Drake.
The Panthers next travel to Chicago to face UIC on Sunday, October 25. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. at Flames Field, with coverage on ESPN+.