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COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – The Eastern Kentucky University soccer team scored three goals in the final 20 minutes of play to rally past Ohio Valley Conference foe Tennessee Tech, 3-1, on Sunday afternoon at Tech Soccer Field.

It was a crucial victory for an EKU team currently battling for a spot in the OVC Tournament. The Colonels (5-11-2, 4-4-1 OVC) entered Sunday in eighth place in the conference standings. The top six teams in the league advance to the postseason.

Tennessee Tech (3-14-1, 1-7-1 OVC) got on the board first with a score off a free kick by Abi Gearing in the 69th minute; however, EKU responded almost immediately, as senior Nikki Donnelly rebounded a shot by junior Kaylynn Brown in the 71st minute and buried the equalizer. It was Donnelly's second goal of the season.

Two minutes later, sophomore Katie Bright headed in the go-ahead goal off a corner kick from EKU's all-time assists leader, senior Brittany Nomady. It was Bright's first-career goal.

Sophomore Amani Thomas added an insurance goal – her second of the year – in the 85th minute, courtesy of an assist from freshman Cassie Smith.

"We are proud of our team today," head coach Melissa Barnes said. "They battled back after giving up a goal. We were creative and dynamic going forward today which allowed us to create a lot of chances throughout the game."

EKU dominated the game offensively, outshooting TTU, 26-12, and attempting five corner kicks to the Golden Eagles' three. Donnelly led all players in the game with seven shots, while Nomady, Brown and Thomas fired four shots each.

Sophomore Erika Wolfer played all 90 minutes of the win in goal for the Colonels and made one save.

EKU will close out the regular season on Friday, Nov. 1, at in-state rival Morehead State. First touch is scheduled for 6:00 p.m.