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RICHMOND, Ky. – Senior Nikki Donnelly scored the game-winning goal in the 66th minute as the Eastern Kentucky University soccer team topped Ohio Valley Conference foe Austin Peay, 3-2, on Senior Day at EKU Soccer Field on Sunday afternoon.

It was EKU's second consecutive conference victory and it lifts the Colonels to 4-10-2 (3-3-1 OVC) on the season. Austin Peay, meanwhile, falls to 9-4-2 (4-3-1 OVC).

With the game tied 2-2, Donnelly – EKU's all-time leading goal scorer – received a pass from fellow senior Brittany Nomady and launched a shot from 25 yards out that hit off the cross bar and into the net. It was Donnelly's first goal of the season and Nomady's second assist of the game, making her the all-time assists leader in EKU history.

Donnelly's late score was all the Colonels needed, as the EKU backline – led by seniors Katie Collar and Lauren Fant – clamped down over the final 24 minutes to subdue a potent Austin Peay attack and seal the victory.

"This was a great win for our team and a great way to honor our seniors," head coach Melissa Barnes said. "Austin Peay has a high-powered offense and we did well to hold them at bay and simply score more goals than them. Winning Sunday games is crucial for success in this conference."

Eastern struck first in Sunday's back-and-forth affair as sophomore Amani Thomas took a nifty touch pass from Nomady and buried a shot from the middle of the box in the 31st minute.

As if on cue, Austin Peay responded just two minutes later as Shelby Olszewski headed in a cross from Tatiana Ariza to even the score.

Early in the second half, EKU struck again. This time it was freshman Cassie Smith receiving a cross from Donnelly and punching it in to make it 2-1. However, APSU responded again. Just nine minutes later, Morgan Zigelsky found the back of the net to make the score 2-2.

Donnelly's goal in the 66th minute, however, put the game away for good.

Collar, Fant, junior Paige Larkin and freshman Mikayla Brillon all went the distance on EKU's backline in Sunday's win.

Sophomore goalkeeper Erika Wolfer, meanwhile, made a season-high 10 saves in the game, none of which were bigger than when she stopped APSU's Gina Fabbro in a one-on-one situation in the 75th minute.

EKU will play its final home game of the regular season on Friday, Oct. 25 versus Belmont. First touch in that game is scheduled for 4:00 p.m.