CARROLLTON, Ga.- The Eastern Kentucky University women's soccer team secured the second conference regular-season title in program history with a 3-1 victory over West Georgia on Thursday night.
With the win, the Colonels clinched the United Athletic Conference Blue Division and earned a first-round bye in the conference tournament, which begins Nov. 8.
The Colonels broke through with three goals in the second half, as
Ronnie Ariel,
Regan Reilly and
Avery May each found the back of the net to lift EKU to victory.
EKU controlled the opening half, firing nine shots, including three on goal, and earning eight corner kicks while holding 65% of the possession. Despite the pressure, the Colonels were unable to find the back of the net. The Colonels' best opportunity came in the 15th minute when
Chiara Premoli lofted a ball over the West Georgia defense to create a 3-on-1 advantage. EKU played a cross into the box, but the Wolves' goalkeeper came up with a key save to keep the match scoreless.
Defensively, EKU limited West Georgia to just one shot, with
Jordan LeVasseur saving a dangerous free kick to keep the match scoreless at halftime.
After a scoreless first half, the Colonels broke through in the 66th minute after drawing a foul in the box to earn a penalty kick. West Georgia's goalkeeper saved the initial attempt, but EKU swarmed the rebound, with
Ronnie Ariel finding the back of the net in the mosh pit to give the Colonels a 1-0 lead.
The Colonels doubled their lead in the 71st minute when
Robin Reilly delivered a cross off a throw-in to her sister, Regan, who took a touch to her left before firing a left-footed shot past the goalkeeper into the top-left corner for her first collegiate goal. The goal marked the second time the sisters have connected for a score this season.
May capped EKU's scoring in the 78th minute when Premoli threaded a through ball into the box, setting up a one-on-one opportunity with the goalkeeper on the right side. May slotted her shot into the bottom-left corner for her seventh goal of the season. The assist extended Premoli's program record to 18 career assists.
In the win, the Colonels recorded 19 shots, including nine on goal, with May leading the attack with seven shots. Defensively, the Colonels limited the Wolves to seven shots, including just three on goal.
The Colonels close out the regular season Nov. 1 in Clarksville, Tennessee, against longtime rival Austin Peay. First touch is set for 2 p.m. ET.
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