APSU Women’s Soccer
Morehead, KY – Austin Peay State University women’s soccer won the program’s first-ever Ohio Valley Conference Tournament game, 1-0, against No. 5 Murray State, Thursday night in first-round action, at Jayne Stadium.
Sophomore Laurena Robinson scored on a ball from freshman Tatiana Ariza, in the 83rd minute, to advance Austin Peay to a semifinal matchup, Friday night, against No. 2 Southeast Missouri. Robinson has been a utility player for the Lady Govs, seeing time in the defense earlier in the season and most recently filling in as a forward.
Austin Peay keeper Carley Newman finished with seven saves after facing 11 shots from the Racers. After making more than seven saves only twice through the season’s first 18 games, Newman has stepped up to task, making seven stops in back-to-back matches.
The Lady Govs were outshot, 11-6, by the Racers, and lost the corner kick advantage, 3-1. For the most part, Murray State controlled the tempo, but as the clocked ticked down it was the Lady Govs finding the back of the net for the win.
Tatiana Ariza and sophomore Jocelyn Murdoch each had two shots; Robinson’s goal being her only shot. Shauna Wicker led Murray State with four shots, three on goal, while Katie Wilson and Sophie Hargreaves each added two shots.
“We gained a lot of experience tonight and that will help us tomorrow,” Guth said. “We’re going to try and get as much recovery in tonight as we can.”
The task turns now to Southeast Missouri, a team that handed Austin Peay its only home loss in the regular season. Austin Peay will be not only with a depleted roster, but also on short rest. Southeast Missouri, meanwhile, will be coming in after a first-round bye.
“I think it will be a good matchup and we’re familiar with them,” Guth said. “It was pretty even the last time we played. I think tomorrow night will come down to us coming out and playing our game. We have to be determined to get the result.”
