Eastern Kentucky University Athletics

FLORENCE, Ala. - The Eastern Kentucky University women's soccer team took sole possession of first place in the United Athletic Conference with a 3-2 road win over North Alabama on Sunday, improving to 3-0 in conference play.
 
The Colonels' offense struck early and often, with Chiara Premoli, Avery May and Robin Reilly each scoring in the opening 36 minutes. It marked the third match this season in which three different Colonels scored.
 
Jordan LeVasseur earned the win in goal with seven saves, helping contain a North Alabama offense tied for second in the UAC in goals scored.
 
EKU's eight goals tie the program record for the most scored in the opening three conference matches, powering the Colonels (7-4-1, 3-0 UAC) to their first 3-0 start in conference play since 2016.
 
Premoli put the Colonels on the board in the fifth minute, burying a penalty kick in the top of the net after a North Alabama handball. It was her third goal of the season and second from the penalty spot.
 
May doubled EKU's lead in the 22nd minute, collecting a pass from Premoli in midfield and breaking past the Lions' defense before finishing into the bottom-right corner in a one-on-one with the goalkeeper. After having an earlier goal disallowed for offside, May made this one count for her fifth of the season, tying her for the conference lead.
 
North Alabama cut EKU's lead to 2-1 in the 28th minute, scoring on a rebound after a free kick struck the crossbar.
 
Robin Reilly restored the two-goal advantage in the 36th minute, netting what proved to be the game-winning goal off assists from Emma Wolf and her sister, Regan Reilly.
 
North Alabama trimmed EKU's lead to 3-2 with a goal in the 71st minute, but LeVasseur made four saves over the final 19 minutes to help the Colonels secure the victory.
 
The Colonels picked up three valuable points against a North Alabama team that entered the matchup atop the conference standings.
 
Head coach Matt Cosinuke praised his team's effort after the road win.
 
"I'm proud of our team's effort today," Cosinuke said. "Walking away from UNA's new stadium with three goals and all three points on the road is a solid day's work. We weren't good enough in the second half, but we handled their offensive push and got the job done. Now our attention is on what's next for us in two very difficult games against the other divisional schools."
 
EKU returns home for a two-game homestand next week, hosting Central Arkansas on Thursday and Little Rock on Sunday.