RICHMOND, Ky. – For the fourth time in as many years as a member institution in the Atlantic Sun Conference, the Eastern Kentucky University women's soccer team clinches a berth to the 2024 ASUN Women's Soccer Championship with a 1-0 victory over Queens on Sunday afternoon at the EKU Soccer Field.
 
EKU joins Central Arkansas and FGCU as the three members who qualified for the field on Sunday.  Entering next week's schedule of games there will be eight spots up for grabs.
 
With Sunday's victory, EKU moves to 9-6-1 and 6-2 in ASUN play for a total of 18 points through eight games against its conference foes.  With three games remaining in the regular season, the Colonels will chase a top four seed for the first time as a member of the league.
 
Alongside the Colonels prominent day, EKU also honored a 9-member senior class consisting of Marah Krick, Nerea de Diego, Kylie Fitzgerald, Claire Siler, Tiatianna Jones, Caroline McLellan, Carmen Combs, Ciana Miller, and Gretta Gunn for all their contributions to the program over the years.
 
Jones, who was honored in Sunday's senior festivities, scored the first goal of her collegiate career in the win.  Freshman midfielder Peyton Smith was credited with the second assist of her career with the goal.
 
EKU outshot Queens 21 to six over the course of the match, led by freshmen Ella Grode, Lauren Link, and Ana Manning who combined for 15 shots in the game.  Grode struck 50 percent (3-for-6) of her shots on target.
 
Krick led the defensive unit with one save to earn her ninth win and sixth shutout of the season.  The Glenmoore, Pa. native hasn't allowed a goal in three contests and has pitched back-to-back shutouts.
 
Like Thursday, EKU and its opponent went the first 45 minutes of play scoreless, taking both teams to the break searching for the advantage.  The Colonels outshot Queens by eight in the first period.
 
In the 70th minute, EKU found its advantage as Smith sent a ball near the net that found a awaiting Jones who used her frame to nudge in the goal.  The goal was the first of her career, and what ultimately became the eighth different game-winning goal scorer for the Colonels this season.
 
EKU would hold the Royals scoreless in the final 20 minutes of play for the victory, despite allowing a shot on frame in the 77th that was saved by Krick.
 
The Colonels return to action next Thursday on the road at Jacksonville.  The match can be streamed live on ESPN+.