Box Score

RICHMOND, Ky. – The Eastern Kentucky University soccer team used a pair of second half goals by juniors Nikki Donnelly and Kristan Paynter to defeat Ohio Valley Conference foe Eastern Illinois, 2-1, on Sunday afternoon.

The win was part of Senior Day at EKU Soccer Field, as a pair of four-year players, Deja Tennon and Hayley Wright, were honored on the field prior to the start of play.

The win was also EKU’s (9-6-2, 5-2-1 OVC) program-record ninth of the fall, and it wrapped up an undefeated regular season at home for the Colonels (8-0-1).

“Going undefeated at home is no easy challenge,” head coach Lindsay Basalyga said. “We talk to our players about leaving their mark, their legacy on the program, and to set this standard is something both Hayley and Deja can be proud of.”

EKU stifled EIU (5-12-1, 3-5-1 OVC) to just two shots in the first half and then pounced on the Panthers early in the second half. Donnelly started the scoring by burying an unassisted shot into the top left corner of the goal in the 47th minute. It was her team-leading seventh score of the season.

Paynter then added to the Colonels’ lead in the 58th minute, rebounding a shot on goal by junior Brittany Nomady and finding the back of the net. It was Paynter’s first goal of the fall and second of her career. It was Nomady’s second assist of the season.

Brooke Sill headed in a ball from Meagan Radloff in the 74th minute to put EIU on the board; however, it was not enough as the Colonels held on to secure the win in their regular season home finale.

EKU outshot EIU, 9-8, on the day and also held a 7-4 advantage in corner kicks. Donnelly led all players in the game with three shots.

Tennon, junior Lauren Fant and sophomore #Emily D’Italia and Paige Larkin# played all 90 minutes of the game on EKU’s backline, while Nomady went the distance in the midfield for the Colonels.

Freshman Erika Wolfer was back in goal for EKU on Sunday and allowed just one goal while making two saves to earn the win.

EKU, which is currently tied for second place in the OVC with Austin Peay, will now go on the road and finish out the regular season with a pair of away matches at Murray State and APSU.

“As a team, we just have to carry this confidence on the road with us next weekend,” Basalyga added.