Looking to build on a 4-5-1 start in non-league action, the Hornets opened their Big Sky conference schedule with a 0-0 tie at Portland State University on Sunday afternoon.

The match proved to be a physical, defensive battle as the Hornets and Vikings combined for 35 fouls and four yellow cards.

Sac State out shot Portland State 14-12, but the Vikings held the edge in shots on goal 5-2. Maggie Murphy and Linda Sanchez each had one shot on goal for the Hornets, while striker Kelly Novak added five shots.

“It was a really even game. In the second half we stepped up and had some key chances, but couldn’t put it together,” head coach Karen Hanks said.

Freshman Sophia Mundy led the Vikings with five shots, three on goal.

Hornet keeper Stephanie Shaw earned her second shut out of the season while collecting five saves.

“Our keeper came up with some big saves there in overtime,” Hanks said.

The tie could serve as a confidence booster for the Hornets. The Vikings were the runner-up in the Big Sky conference last season after falling to Idaho State in the Championship.

Sac State’s weekend began with a disappointing 2-0 loss at Saint Mary’s College on Thursday afternoon.

Junior Sarah Burgess scored both goals for the Gaels (4-6-1) as they out shot Sacramento State 15-3.

Burgess put St. Mary’s on the scoreboard in the 16th minute with an assist from Jill Anderson for a 1-0 lead. Burgess struck again in the 60th minute with an assist from Mckenna Belzer.

The loss snapped a two-game winning streak for the Hornets and a 3-0-1 stretch over their four prior matches.

“We didn’t show up. We were a completely different team,” head coach Karen Hanks said afterward.

“I didn’t know if it was from being on the road again or what, because we haven’t played many road games. We just never really got into the game.”

The Hornets (4-5-2) will host San Jose State on Wednesday at 4 p.m. for a non-conference match.