Box Score BOX SCORE

JACKSONVILLE, Ala. – Host Jacksonville State took the lead with six minutes remaining in regulation, the Eastern Kentucky University women’s soccer team tied it one minute later, and then both teams battled through double-overtime for a 1-1 draw on Sunday afternoon.

EKU (4-6-1, 2-0-1 OVC) and JSU (2-10-2, 1-1-2 OVC) had combined to allow only three goals in five conference games before Sunday, and the first 84 minutes of regulation lived up to that defensive billing. In the 84th minute, however, Kaitlin Manns gave the Gamecocks the lead when she scored on a penalty kick. Exactly one minute later, freshman Stephany Ellison buried her second goal of the season to even the score and send it into overtime.

“That we were able to respond so quickly to their goal says a lot about this team’s character,” head coach Lindsay Basalyga said. “We will keep fighting.”

In overtime, JSU outshot EKU, 5-1, but freshman keeper Annie Wickett and the rest of the Colonel backline were able to hold on to earn the road tie.

EKU recorded a season-high 26 shots in the game. Sophomore Nicole Donnelly led the Colonels with five shots, while sophomore Lauren Fant and freshman Kaylynn Brown both attempted four shots each.

“There’s a reason JSU has gotten the conference results they have,” Basalyga said. “They’re a very tough team to break down defensively. But when you’re given that many opportunities to score, you have to finish.”

Wickett played all 110 minutes in goal for the Colonels and recorded five saves in the game. Fant, senior Stephanie Murray, sophomore #Emily D’Italia and freshman Paige Larkin# all went the distance on the EKU backline.

“When it’s all said and done, we walk away with a tie and a point on the road,” Basalyga said. “It’s a great start to the conference season.”

EKU returns to action next weekend when the Colonels host UT Martin on Friday at 4:00 p.m. and Southeast Missouri on Sunday at 1:00 p.m.