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RICHMOND, Ky. – The Eastern Kentucky University women’s soccer team dropped its first match of the season on Friday night, losing to Fresno State, 1-0. With the loss, the Colonels drop to 1-1-1 on the season while the Bulldogs improve to 1-4.

“I thought we played great defensively, but struggled a bit in the attack,” head coach Lindsay Basalyga said. “We definitely saw some things we need to work on in order to move forward.”

Despite being out-shot, the Colonel defense held Fresno State scoreless in the first half. The second half played out much the same way until, with only 10 minutes remaining in the match, Fresno State midfielder Molly Nizzoli’s shot ricocheted off the crossbar, and forward Nicole Gutierrez scored off the rebound. Gutierrez’s shot proved to be the game-winner.

Led by juniors Jessica Goshert and Eva Hollenberg, the EKU defense was solid all night. Five defenders played all 90 minutes of the match, including Goshert, Hollenberg, junior Maddy Shumaker, sophomore Ashley Green and freshman Stephanie Murray. Sophomore Goalkeeper Stephanie Lynch recorded a season-high 11 saves on the night.

The Colonels return to action Sunday afternoon at the University of San Francisco. Game time is set for 4:00 p.m.