LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Senior defender Mackenzie Burdick converted a penalty kick in the 82nd minute to push EKU soccer to its first-ever win over in-state Atlantic Sun Conference opponent Bellarmine (4-9-5, 1-7-3 ASUN) on Saturday afternoon at Owsley B. Frazier Stadium.
 
With the win, EKU (5-8-5, 4-3-4 ASUN) secured the No. 5 seed in the ASUN Championship and will face a to be determined opponent at North Alabama's Bill Jones Athletic Complex on Thursday, Oct. 26.
 
Burdick was fouled late in Saturday's match right on the edge of the box and was subsequently awarded the penalty kick. The Cincinnati native used her right boot to glide the ball to the bottom left 90 for the score. She ended the match 1-for-1 in shot opportunities.
 
Midfielder Nerea de Diego attempted a team-leading three shots, two on frame to help the Colonels outshoot the Knights 12-9 on the day.
 
EKU opened Saturday's match with an early shot attempt by forward Jami Anderson, who used her head to strike a low ball that was saved by the Knights' keeper.
 
Both teams entered the break with a low two shot attempts playing to a scoreless first half.
 
Two shots by Kaia Griffin opened the second half for EKU, one on frame and one blocked. Bellarmine would counter the Colonels' attacking formation and nearly match shot-for-shot.
 
After a physical 80 minutes of action, Burdick was awarded the PK and converted for her first goal of the season. 
 
EKU would shift to a defensive style to keep the point advantage, which proved fruitful as the Colonels failed to allow a BU goal with three attempts in the final five minutes of play.
 
The Colonels claimed the match in shots (12-9), shots on goal (6-4), corners (8-2), and possession (51 percent).
 
EKU returns to action on Thursday in the ASUN Championship at North Alabama. The Colonels will face the No. 8 seed which is still to be determined as the league wraps up play around 9 p.m. ET on Saturday.