BOX SCORE

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. – Senior Laura Caldon notched her second game-winning goal in as many matches, scoring with just a minute left in the first half to propel the Eastern Kentucky University women’s soccer team to a 1-0 victory at Southeast Missouri State on Sunday afternoon. The win is the Colonels’ third straight OVC victory and improves their record to a program-best 5-7-2 (3-2 OVC).

“We stayed tough the whole game and were finally able to finish them with a goal,” senior midfielder Alison Gajus said. “I definitely think this team has the talent, the will, the want and the heart to make it to the OVC Tournament.”

Caldon’s goal came in the 44th minute when freshman defender Stephanie Murray passed the ball to sophomore defender Gabriella Wolf who headed it out wide to Caldon who fired a shot past the SEMO goalkeeper, giving the Colonels a 1-0 lead they would retain for the remainder of the match.

Both Murray and Wolf were credited with an assist on the goal. For Murray, it was the first assist of her young Colonel career. For Wolf, it was her team-high third assist of the season.

It was Caldon’s second game-winner of the weekend and of her career. The Covington, Ky. native’s timely scores have put the Colonels within reach of making the OVC Tournament, their goal since the beginning of the 2008 season.

“I have no doubt we can get into the tournament if we keep playing the way we’re playing,” Caldon said. “With Murray State and UT Martin coming up, it’s going to be tough because they’re two of the better teams in the league. It’s going to come down to having heart and believing in ourselves.”

The Colonel defense recorded its fourth shutout of the year on Sunday. Sophomore goalkeeper Stephanie Lynch led the way, playing all 90 minutes of the match and recording eight saves.

“We’re in a great position with three straight home matches coming up,” junior defender Maddy Shumaker said. “We definitely play better at home. There are some things we definitely need to work on, but we’re all staying pretty positive for the time being.”

The Colonels return to action on Friday, Oct. 17, when they take on the Skyhawks of UT Martin. Game time is set for 4:00 p.m.

Weekend Firsts:

- First three game winning streak in program history 

- First ever wins over Eastern Illinois and Southeast Missouri State 

- First OVC weekend sweep 

- First come from behind victory (Eastern Illinois) 

- First time being over .500 in the OVC