Box Score (PDF)

RICHMOND, Ky. – Freshman Katie Shaffer's goal in the final minute of the first half lifted the No. 3 Eastern Kentucky University soccer team past No. 7 SIUE, 2-1, in the OVC Tournament quarterfinals on Sunday afternoon at EKU Soccer Field.
 
With the win, EKU (10-4-4) avenges its loss to SIUE (7-10-2) in last season's OVC title game.
 
It marks the first time in program history the Colonels have advanced to the OVC semifinals in two consecutive seasons.
 
"We are very proud of the girls for how hard they competed and how hard they supported each other," head coach Nick Flohre said. "Tournament time brings out the best in teams and our girls gave it their all."
 
In the 44^th minute, sophomore midfielder Monica Rios placed a corner kick in the perfect position, allowing Shaffer to swoop in and head the ball through the net. The outside back from Monroe, Ohio native notched her first collegiate goal and first collegiate game-winner with the score.
                                                                                         
Senior forward Jordan Foster led EKU with two shots on the afternoon, both of which were on target. In total, the Colonels fired nine total shots, six of which were on frame.
 
Eastern wasted little time getting on the board first. In the sixth minute, Foster used a left-to-right crossover that freed her from her defender. From there, she sent a shot toward the goal from 25 yards out that managed to sail past the keeper. The Fairborn, Ohio native leads EKU with seven goals on the year and is one goal away from tying her own program record for goals in a season (eight).
 
In the 35^th minute, SIUE's Becca Jostes scored the Cougars' lone goal off a penalty kick when she was fouled inside the box.
 
Senior goalkeeper Anna Hall recorded five saves on the afternoon to help the Colonels advance.
 
Hall, Shaffer, midfielder Marian Wolski, defender Makenna Sullivan, midfielder Alyssa Julien, and defender Haley Kemper never left the field for the Colonels in the win.
 
"We are happy to get by a tough SIUE team and we are excited to advance to next weekend," Flohre continued.
 
The Colonels will now travel to host Murray State to play No. 2 Tennessee Tech in the semifinals on Friday, November 5, at 12 p.m. ET.  EKU will look to avenge their 2-0 defeat to the Golden Eagles earlier this season in Cookeville.