Box Score

RICHMOND, Ky. – The Eastern Kentucky University soccer team stayed hot on Sunday afternoon, blanking Tennessee Tech, 2-0, to remain unbeaten at home (6-0-1) and in Ohio Valley Conference action (3-0-1).

EKU (7-4-2, 3-0-1 OVC) has not lost since September 12 at Xavier. The defeat, meanwhile, drops TTU to 4-8-1 (2-3-0 OVC).

“I was really pleased that we were able to get the shutout on the day,” head coach Lindsay Basalyga said. “Out center midfielders did a great job of winning 50/50 balls and linking up the game through possession in the attack.”

Freshman Mikala Ferguson dialed up the game-winning goal for EKU in the 17th minute, rebounding a shot on goal by junior Nikki Donnelly and burying a ball in the lower right corner of the net. It was Ferguson’s first-career goal, and it was all the Colonels needed

Junior Lauren Fant added an insurance goal in the 82nd minute, heading in a corner kick off the foot of sophomore #Emily D’Italia#. It was D’Italia’s team-leading third assist of the fall and second of the weekend.

“Mikala has had some dangerous scoring opportunities over the past few games, so it was nice to see her get her first-career goal,” Basalyga said. “And I’m also happy Lauren was able to connect off another great free kick from Emily to seal the win up.”

EKU outshot TTU, 19-9, on the afternoon. Donnelly led all players in the game with six shots, three of which were on goal.

Fant, D’Italia, senior Deja Tennon and sophomore Paige Larkin all went the distance on an EKU backline that has now not allowed multiple goals in 13 consecutive OVC regular season games dating back to the end of 2010. It was the Colonel defense’s third shutout of the year.

Freshman Samm Melton made her second consecutive start in goal for the Colonels and recorded five saves en route to her first career shutout.

EKU returns to action next weekend with a pair of games at Southeast Missouri and UT Martin.

Added Basalyga: “We’re just going to keep working to turn our weaknesses into strengths and refocus for the road weekend at SEMO and UT Martin.”