The men's soccer team drew its second scoreless draw in as many weekends against the Bates Bobcats.
After 35 total shots and three crossbars, the Polar Bears came away frustrated with the game's result last Saturday.
"Any time you hit the crossbar on three occasions, I think you can feel a little aggrieved about the outcome," said head coach Fran O'Leary.
It was the first time in seven years Bates didn't lose to the Polar Bears, who currently sit tied at 0-0-2 with Amherst in the middle of the NESCAC standings.
"The game was definitely disappointing," said Macgill Eldredge '12. "We wanted to get all three points from the game and to get our first NESCAC win of the season."
Bowdoin goalkeeper and co-captain Dan Hicks '11 was not tested at all during the first half, as the Bowdoin defense held the Bobcats to zero shots in the first 45 minutes.
The offensive attack for both teams finally kicked in during the second half, as Bowdoin ripped 17 shots and the Bobcats managed to sneak their way through the Polar Bear defenders, attempting eight shots.
"We created quite a few chances and definitely lay down a foundation for the rest of the season," said Eddie Jones '12.
Co-captain and center-midfielder Ben Denton-Schneider '11 provided the Polar Bears with their best scoring opportunity in regulation, blasting a shot from the 18-yard box towards the top right corner of the goal. Bates goalkeeper Greg Watts lunged to make the save and tipped the ball out of bounds to preserve the tie.
Bowdoin pressured Bates again during the first 10 minute sudden death overtime. First year Alex Marecki's initial shot was blocked by a Bobcat defender. Michael Gale '13 settled the ball and fired a shot that hit the crossbar, and sophomore Alex Thomas's follow also hit the crossbar.
"We were the width of the crossbar away from a comprehensive win at Bates," said O'Leary. "So while disappointed in the outcome, we will not let it shake our confidence."
With just three saves in the day and another scoreless draw, Hicks extended his shutout minute streak to 442:41.
"It's a huge advantage to the team to know that he's behind us if we make any mistakes," said Eldredge.
In search of their first NESCAC victory, the Polar Bears have a busy upcoming weekend. On Saturday, the team will travel to Vermont to take on the undefeated first-place Middlebury Panthers (4-0-0, 2-0-0). The Polar Bears will then travel to Waterville on Monday to take on Colby (3-1-0, 1-1-0).
"We are expecting a tough, physical game from Middlebury and nothing less from Colby," said Jones. "It'll be a tough weekend, but the guys are ready for the challenge."