BOX SCORE

RICHMOND, Ky. – The Eastern Kentucky University women’s soccer team outshot Eastern Illinois 15-3 Friday afternoon at EKU Soccer Field; however, the Panthers were able to convert a goal midway through the first half, hold the Colonels scoreless throughout and pick up an important 1-0 conference victory on the road.

“This was the best game we’ve played all year,” head coach Lindsay Basalyga said. “I’m heartbroken for the players. They’ve worked so hard and they’re a good team. We just don’t have luck on our side.”

EIU (7-5-5, 3-1-2 OVC) scored the game-winner on an own goal in the 31st minute when Hillary Blake lofted a cross in front of the net. EKU junior keeper, Stephanie Lynch, stepped out from the goal and jumped up to snag the ball. When she landed on her side, the ball popped out of her hands and rolled into the goal.

Trailing 1-0 at half, the Colonels (4-10-3, 1-3-3 OVC) came out firing in the second half. EKU took eight shots in the second half and several of them were on goal.

EIU keeper Jenny Williams delivered an excellent performance by making several diving saves and denying the Colonels on all of their chances.

Williams finished with seven saves.

Lynch, meanwhile, played all 90 minutes in goal for EKU and recorded three stops.

Junior midfielder Carly Muller paced the Colonels with four shots, three of which were on goal. Freshman forward Deja Tennon attempted two shots on the day. In all, eleven Colonels attempted a shot on Friday.

The Colonels will face Southeast Missouri State in the regular season finale on Sunday at 1:00 p.m.

EKU still has a chance of making the OVC Tournament; unfortunately, there are several outside factors that would have to play out to make that happen.

EKU would get into the OVC Tournament if…

-SEMO lost to Morehead State on Friday night, lost to EKU on Sunday afternoon and then lost or tied Murray State on Oct. 29.
-SEMO lost or tied Morehead State on Friday night, lost to EKU on Sunday afternoon and then lost to Murray State on Oct. 29.

Essentially, EKU will have to beat SEMO on Sunday and receive some outside help to have a shot of making the OVC Tournament.

Basalyga, however, is prepared to watch her team compete until the season is over.

“We’re going to continue to fight,” Basalyga said. “We wouldn’t be the program we are if we didn’t. And then we’ll just see how things shake out in the conference.”