Box Score

RICHMOND, Ky. – Junior Nikki Donnelly scored twice in the final eight minutes of play to lead the Eastern Kentucky University women’s soccer team to a thrilling, come-from-behind win over in-state rival Morehead State, 2-1, on Sunday afternoon in the Colonels’ Ohio Valley Conference opener in front of a raucous home crowd.

It was EKU’s second-straight win over Morehead State dating back to last season, and the Colonels’ first-ever win over the Eagles at EKU Soccer Field.

Donnelly’s late-game heroics began with less than two minutes in regulation. With EKU trailing Morehead State, 1-0, the Cincinnati native received a cross from freshman Amani Thomas, beat one defender and then buried a shot in the bottom right corner of the goal from 10 yards out to tie the game and force overtime.

Donnelly carried that momentum into OT, as she received a pass from freshman Mikala Ferguson six minutes into extra play and launched a shot from about 25 yards deep that ricocheted off the post and into the net, stunning Morehead State and igniting a frantic celebration on the field.

The goals were Donnelly’s fourth and fifth of the season, and they made her the all-time leading goal scorer in EKU history (13).

“I’m really proud of the fight and composure we showed as a team and individually to come from behind and get the result,” head coach Lindsay Basalyga said of her team’s crucial conference win. “Morehead State put us under a lot of pressure, and we struggled a bit to find a rhythm throughout the game, so it wasn’t our cleanest performance. But, we continued to compete and found a way to win. The composure around goal by Mikala and Amani to set Nikki up for her two goals was tremendous, as well.”

Donnelly finished the game with five shots, four of which were on goal. Senior Hayley Wright also played a key role in the win, filling in for injured sophomore Kaylynn Brown by logging 52 minutes at the forward position and firing two shots, one of which was on goal.

Kimberly Golden led Morehead State with two shots on the afternoon, while McKenzie Ward scored the Eagles’ lone goal of the day in the 67th minute.

Freshman goalkeeper Erika Wolfer made five saves in the victory, while senior Deja Tennon, junior Lauren Fant and sophomores #Emily D’Italia and Paige Larkin# all went the distance on EKU’s backline.

EKU, which improved to 5-4-1 (1-0-0 OVC) with Sunday’s rousing victory, returns to action next Friday, Sept. 28, at conference newcomer Belmont. First touch is scheduled for 4:00 p.m.

Added Basalyga: “It’s good to get the first win under our belt, but we’ll need to refocus tomorrow to prepare for the road game against Belmont.”