Don’t be deceived by the score — or the lack of it.

The Wolverines hit the ground running in their season debut, battling the Emerald League’s Cedar Park Christian to a scoreless tie, Tuesday, at home.

In a non-league match up dominated by defense, scoring opportunities proved few and far between for both squads.

Friday Harbor goalkeeper Rhiana Franklin picked up right where she left off in 2010, smothering a handful of early offensive threats by the Eagles to help the Wolverines tally their first shutout of the season.

A year ago, Friday Harbor posted eight shutouts with Franklin, then a junior, defending the goal.

Though the back of the net proved elusive for the Wolverines, Coach Mark Fishaut noted this season’s debut stands as the squad’s best season-opening performance in his eight-year tenure with the team.

He noted  the competitive play of seniors Mickey Leytze, back in the lineup after a two-year absence, and Audrey Olshefsky, hobbled by injuries the past two seasons, bode well for a team that lost six starters to graduation and for the campaign ahead as well.

Fishaut also hailed the steady, reliable performances of co-captains Mandy Turnbull and Larissa Nash, and flashy debut of speedy freshman Sydney Wilson.

“A coach depends on the team leaders and captains Mandy Turnbull and Larissa Nash did not disappoint,” he said.

Next:

The Wolverines face Division 2A South Whidbey on the road Wednesday, Sept. 7, and travel to Evergreen Lutheran Sept. 14. They’re back at home Saturday, Sept. 17, to square off against Port Townsend.