BOX SCORE

CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – The Eastern Kentucky University women’s soccer team suffered another narrow defeat on Sunday afternoon as the Colonels fell at Austin Peay, 1-0. APSU freshman striker Tatiana Ariza broke through with a goal in the 84th minute to give the Lady Govs their first win over the Colonels since 2005.

The loss drops EKU to 7-7-2 (4-3-0 OVC) on the season while the win improves APSU to 11-5-1 (3-3-1) on the season.

“I thought we played well and had some opportunities,” head coach Lindsay Basalyga said. “But our youth is starting to show. Not to make excuses, but there’s a certain maturity it takes to consistently win on the road. Ability doesn’t always win games.”

This was the fourth straight road game for an EKU team that features just four seniors and one active junior (following a season-ending injury to junior Heather Bruce).

With both teams held scoreless through the first 84 minutes, the game appeared to be headed to overtime. However, with just six minutes left in regulation, Ariza – one of the top goal-scorers in the OVC – beat two EKU defenders inside the box and scored to give the Lady Govs the win.

EKU was outshot on the day, 17-9. Freshman Nicole Donnelly led the Colonels with four shots, two of which were on goal. Senior Carly Muller attempted two shots.

“The stats do not indicate what kind of game it was,” Basalyga said. “It was a back-and-forth game, and it was clearly going to take one goal to win it. Unfortunately, APSU got that goal.”

Senior goalkeeper Stephanie Lynch played all 90 minutes and made six saves while allowing just one goal. Lynch has surrendered just four goals in seven OVC games this season.

Junior Stephanie Murray and freshman Lauren Fant played all 90 minutes on an EKU backline that delivered another sturdy performance. Midfielders Tess Akgunduz, Deja Tennon and Brittany Nomady also went the distance for the Colonels.

All three of EKU’s OVC losses have been by the score of 1-0.

The Colonels return to action on Sunday, Oct. 24, when they host first-place Morehead State in their final regular season OVC game of the year. Sunday’s game is also Senior Day.