LEXINGTON, Ky. – Eastern Kentucky University's sophomore class powered the women's soccer team to a 2-1 win over South Carolina Upstate on Thursday evening at Lexington Sporting Club.
 
With the victory, EKU (2-1) bounced back from a setback last weekend in Knoxville. Sophomores Ana Manning and Avery May scored five minutes apart late in the second half to secure the victory.
 
Junior midfielder Chiara Premoli notched her 10th career assist, moving into sole possession of second place in program history behind Gretta Gunn. Preseason All-Conference forward Ella Grode assisted on May's goal for EKU's six points in the match.
 
The Colonels and USC Upstate (1-2) played a slow-paced first half, with the Spartans earning the first quality chance 15 minutes in on a penalty kick. USC Upstate's Dara Russo aimed left, but goalkeeper Ruby Morgan made the save to keep the match scoreless.
 
EKU broke through in the 64th minute after a yellow card on USC Upstate's Emily Rangel. Premoli served the ensuing free kick into the box, where Manning headed in her first goal of the season.
 
May doubled the lead in the 69th minute, finishing a through-ball from Grode for her first goal of the year.
 
Just moments later, Russo cut the margin in half with her 31st career goal, but EKU held on down the stretch. The teams combined for 25 shots, with EKU holding a 6-5 edge in shots on goal.
 
Morgan earned her first career win in net, playing all 90 minutes and recording four saves. Freshman Emma Wolf made her collegiate debut with eight minutes off the bench, while sophomore forward Lauren Link saw her first action of the season with 18 minutes up top.
 
EKU will return to action Sunday against East Tennessee State at Lexington Sporting Club. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. ET.