Eastern Kentucky University Athletics

RICHMOND, Ky. - Eastern Kentucky University's junior class powered the women's soccer team to a 2-1 victory over USC Upstate with two early goals on Senior Day.
 
With the win, EKU (4-3) bounced back after dropping its previous two matches. Juniors Lauren Link and Avery May scored early in the first half to secure the victory.
 
The junior forward duo has led the Colonels' offense this season, with each scoring a team-high three goals.
 
EKU opened the scoring in the eighth minute when May pressured the Spartans' goalkeeper into a rushed pass that Link intercepted and fired into the upper-right corner.
 
The Colonels continued to pressure the Spartans in their defensive half, leading to May stealing the ball from a USC Upstate defender. May took two touches to draw the goalkeeper off her line before firing into the center of the net in the 13th minute.
 
Late in the first half, USC Upstate defender Cansu Kara received a red card following a foul, forcing the Spartans to play with 10 players for the remainder of the match.
 
The Colonels dominated the first half, taking a 2-0 lead into the locker room after outshooting the Spartans 14-1, earning two corner kicks and controlling 52% of the possession.
 
Despite playing with 10 players, USC Upstate cut the deficit to one in the 59th minute. Hannah Wilt sent a free kick into the box, where Liana Bryant headed the ball to Jasmyn Mitchner, who found the upper-right corner of the net.
 
EKU remained composed following USC Upstate's goal and controlled the match over the final 31 minutes. Ruby Morgan made two saves as the Colonels' defense prevented the Spartans from finding the equalizer. EKU continued to apply pressure offensively, recording 10 shots and two corner kicks in the second half before closing out the 2-1 victory.
 
The Colonels recorded 24 shots in the win, led by May with eight attempts, including three on goal. Robin Reilly followed with five shots, placing two on target, while freshman Chloe Measel put all three of her attempts on goal.
 
Defensively, Jordan LeVasseur started in goal and held the Spartans scoreless in the first half before Morgan entered after halftime and helped close out the victory.
 
The Colonels return back to action on Thursday as they hit the road for a matchup against Northern Kentucky at 7 pm ET.