Vermont and Saint Mary’s battled hard for 120 minutes before settling for a 0-0 double overtime tie in the second round of the Nike Fall Soccer Classic at UNH’s Lewis Field on Sunday afternoon.

It was the second straight double overtime game for both teams as UVM (1-0-1) bested Holy Cross with a goal in the 104th minute on Friday while the Gaels (0-0-2) opened the season with a scoreless draw with host UNH.

Against their West Coast Conference rivals, Vermont dominated play right from the start out-shooting Saint Mary’s in each period and by an 18-8 margin for the contest.

The Catamounts, especially Tony Anderson (eight shots) had several chances to take the lead. Midway through the second half, Vermont had a potential go-ahead goal called back on a close offside and in the second overtime, Ronan Keegan was robbed by SMC’s Brian Mason (nine saves).

“I’m real proud of the effort from every player on our team,” commented Vermont coach Jesse Cormier. “We competed very hard at both ends for 220 minutes against two quality opponents. It’s a matter of time before the goals start to come. Tony Anderson and Ronan Keegan have played very well up front and our defense, especially without Sullivan Silva (minor groin injury), has been more then exceptional.”

Cormier again praised backs Corey Bronner and Jesse Brady-Searby, and goalie David Sullivan for holding up the defense that did not allow a goal all weekend. He also singled out midfielders Danny Broughan and Jason Leahy for solid two-way efforts.

Sullivan made three stops in posting his second straight shutout and the 15th blanking of his career to move into a tie for third place all-time at Vermont.

Bronner, Sullivan and Brady-Searby were named to the all-tournament team as Vermont went unbeaten in New Hampshire’s season opening classic for the first time in since 1997.