APSU Sports: Austin Peay Soccer

Cape Girardeau, MO – Austin Peay State University ^[1] women’s soccer team picked up a much-needed Ohio Valley Conference victory by defeating Southeast Missouri 1-0, Sunday, at Houck Stadium.

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Austin Peay Women’s Soccer. (Courtesy: Brittney Sparn/APSU Sports Information)

“We executed a lot better today,” said head coach Kelley Guth. “We played our game and controlled the tempo a little more. It was a great game and big step forward.”

After a back-and-forth first half Friday night against UT Martin, the Lady Govs (5-7-0, 1-2-0 OVC) controlled pace for much of the first half against Southeast Missouri (2-7-3, 1-1-1 OVC). Austin Peay outshot the Redhawks 7-5, putting five shots on net in the opening half.

^[3]Junior Tatiana Ariza led the Lady Govs with two first-half shots on goal. Her attempt in the 12th minute was deflected just over the bar on Austin Peay’s top scoring chance in the opening half.

The Lady Govs got on the board in the 60th minute. Senior Emily Perkins beat Redhawks keeper Renee Kertz to a Morgan Zigelsky pass and slid it into the back of the net. The goal is the fourth for Perkins this season and moves her into sole possession of seventh place all-time in Lady Govs history in points with 24.

^[4]Austin Peay would only attempt one more shot after Perkins’ goal, but it wouldn’t matter. The Lady Govs defense was exceptional over the game’s final 30 minutes, limiting the Redhawks in the attacking game and giving up few quality chances on the net.

Junior Haylee Shoaff made six saves in her season’s first shutout, including three that preserved the Lady Govs lead. Kertz made eight saves for Southeast Missouri.

“Haylee played very well today,” Guth said. “She came up big at key times for us today and showed some leadership back there. It was her best performance this season.”

^[5]Ariza, Perkins and Zigelsky each put two shots on goal for Austin Peay. Zigelsky’s assist was her third this season, second-most among Lady Govs.

“This was good bounce-back game after Friday’s loss,” Guth said. “It’s a great confidence booster for the girls. I hope now they’re believing more in themselves and that we can get results when we execute.”

Austin Peay next hosts OVC newcomer Belmont at 2:00pm, Sunday, October 7th at Morgan Brothers Field.