RICHMOND, Ky. – Freshman winger Paula Herranz netted her first collegiate goal to push the Colonels to their first win in ASUN Conference play over Austin Peay by a score of 1-0 on Sunday afternoon at the EKU Soccer Field.
 
With Sunday's result, EKU moves to 2-0 over its long-time rival Austin Peay inside ASUN play. EKU moves to 6-1-1 all-time against the Govs in Richmond.
 
For the first time this season, EKU (2-6-1, 1-1-0 ASUN) had a game-winning goal scored by a freshman. Herranz's goal in the fourth minute marked the third different first-year student-athlete to notch a goal on the season.
 
With Sunday's win over Austin Peay (3-6-1, 1-1-0 ASUN), the Colonels picked up three points towards the conference standings before the team embarks on a two-match road stand.
 
EKU's offensive display was also led by senior Maia Ransom, who also attempted a season-high three shots, two on target, in 56 minutes off the bench.
 
Eight different Colonels attempted a shot in Sunday's win, including six multi-shot performers.
 
Keeper Marah Krick earned her first win of the season and her first since Sept. 12, 2021 with two saves and a clean sheet against the Govs.
 
Herranz tacked her first career goal in the fourth minute in Sunday's contest, using her head to catch a cross from senior defender Mackenzie Burdick to find the upper portion of the netting. Burdick's game-winning assist was the second of her career, both have come this season in EKU victories.
 
EKU would attempt 10 more shots before the halftime break that included three consecutive corner attempts that produced three shots and two shots on goal.
 
The Govs shifted to an offensive formation out of the pause and applied pressure on the EKU backline. APSU had its best chance to equalize in the 47th minute as Alana Owens fired a shot that Krick deflected to the far side. Austin Peay attempted nine shots in the following 10 minutes of action, failing to find the one-goal equalizer.
 
EKU held Austin Peay to one shot in the final 33 minutes of action to earn its first win in conference play. 
 
The Colonels led the Govs in shots (16-8), shots on goal (5-2), corners (10-1), and possession (58 percent). EKU's 10 corner attempts were the most corners in a single match under head coach Matt Cosinuke and the program's most since Oct. 12, 2018, against Jacksonville State (11).
 
EKU departs for a two-match road trip next week beginning with Queens on Thursday, Sept. 21 at 7 p.m. Thursday's match is the first meeting between the two programs and can be viewed on ESPN+. Fans looking to make the trip to Charlotte can purchase tickets starting at $8 on the Royals' website.