SPRINGFIELD, Ohio - Wittenberg sophomore goaltender Nicole Irvin did everything but stand on her head on Sunday. In the end, it wasn't enough.

The Tigers fell to 0-3 on the young season with a disappointing 1-0 overtime loss to Bellarmine at home in Edwards-Maurer Field. It was Wittenberg's third straight overtime loss to start the 2005 season, despite Irvin's best efforts.

Irvin was credited with nine saves in the game and she also stared down a penalty stroke late early in the overtime period. But after turning away nine shots on 16 Bellarmine shots, one got past her a little over 11 minutes into the extra session.

It was the second time in three games that the Tigers have been shut out, perhaps a result that could have been expected after the loss of two-time honorable mention All-American midfielder Blair Ufer to graduation. The Tigers' best opportunity came midway through the second half when junior Katy Barrett was fouled near the Bellarmine goal cage, resulting in a penalty stroke. Senior Julia Wickham's shot was perfectly place but also perfectly defended and the scoreless duel went on.