Box Score (PDF)

RICHMOND, Ky. – Freshman Kacy Eckley scored her first career goal in the first half, but the Eastern Kentucky University soccer team fell in overtime to visiting Kent State, 2-1, on Friday afternoon at EKU Soccer Field.
 
EKU struck first, as Eckley headed in a goal off a corner kick from junior Cassie Smith to give the Colonels a 1-0 lead in the 20th minute. Kent State (4-2-2), however, tied it in the 39^th minute on a penalty kick from Jenna Hellstrom.
 
The second half was a defensive battle with no goals being scored, thanks in part to sophomore Anna Hall setting a new team high for the season with 10 saves. This was Hall's first start of the year. She was injured through much of non-conference play.
 
Two minutes into overtime, Kent State's Karli Paracca scored the golden goal from four yards out to end the game.
 
 "We had an absolutely fantastic effort against a very good Kent State side," head coach Andrew Fleming said. "If you look at the last three halves of soccer we've played, I think we are where we need to be in order to compete in the conference."
 
EKU was led on the day by Eckley. The freshman played all 92 minutes of the match and attempted a team-best two shots on goal. Along with Eckley, Smith, senior Katie Bright and sophomores Haley Kemper and Jordan Foster all attempted two shots in the game.
 
Kent State – which has now won three consecutive games – was paced by Hellstrom and Abbie Lawson, both of whom attempted six shots in the overtime victory.
 
The Colonels open conference play against Murray State on Thursday, September 24, at 4:00 p.m. in Richmond.
 
"These young ladies have battled through injuries, they've found their identity, and they've dealt with adversity in a manner that represents EKU very well," Fleming added. "Our first conference match will be difficult, but I like where we are after this match."