RICHMOND, Ky. – Freshman forward
Ella Grode scored in the 55th minute to power the Eastern Kentucky University women's soccer team to a 1-0 victory over West Georgia on Thursday evening at the EKU Soccer Field.
With the goal, Grode is now tied for the team-lead with four goals through 15 matches. The Avon Lake, Ohio native led the Colonels with five shots, four of which on target.
Sophomore winger
Chiara Premoli was credited with the assist in Grode's goal, the second of the season for the Italian and third of her career.
Ana Manning and
Kylie Fitzgerald also recorded multi-shot performances in the win. Manning, who is tied with Grode for the team lead in goals, also went a perfect 2-for-2 in the match.
EKU keeper
Marah Krick earned the 16th win of her career going the full distance with no saves.
EKU moves to 8-6-1 on the season and 5-2 in conference play with the victory and has recorded 15 points in Atlantic Sun Conference play. The Colonels have won four of their last five fixtures.
West Georgia falls to 2-11 and 1-6 in ASUN play in its first year as a member institution with the conference. The Wolves have now been outscored 7-0 in their last three contests.
EKU and UWG played to a nil result at the intermission despite the Colonels firing off eight shots that forced keeper Hannah Garrett to make four saves.
Grode found her game-winning shot in the 55th minute after catching a grounded through ball from Premoli and used her right boot to find the lower left of the frame.
West Georgia was unable to find the equalizer in the final 35 minutes of play despite out-shooting EKU, 6-5, in the second half to seal the victory for the Colonels. Two yellow cards were issued in the 87th UWG was pressuring on the EKU side of the field.
The Colonels return to action on Sunday for Senior Day at the pitch against Queens. The contest is scheduled to kickoff at 1 p.m. EST.
