APSU Lady Govs Soccer loses to South Alabama Jaguars, 2-1

APSU Sports Information

Mobile, AL – Junior Gina Fabbro helped Austin Peay State University women’s soccer team break its two-game scoreless streak, but a late goal by South Alabama put the Lady Govs on the wrong end of a 2-1 result at The Cage.

Austin Peay falls to 1-4-0 after a third consecutive defeat, while the Jaguars improve to 5-1-0.

In the 22nd minute, South Alabama would get on the scoreboard as a pass by Steffi Hardy sailed beyond the APSU defense. Ashlynn Jones recovered it, and scored the first goal from just inside the 18-yard box.

After a one-sided first half where Austin Peay was out-shot 13-2, head coach Kelley Guth made some strategic changes, and the second-half adjustments proved effective.

“At hafltime, fitness was our main focus,” Guth said. “We talked about the shot count favored in their direction. The changes really attribute to the depth that we have as a team, and it’s starting to pay dividends for us.”

Fabbro, who suffered a lower body injury in the preseason, returned to form in the 52nd minute after a slow start to her third year. A pass from senior Shelby Olszewski was lofted near the Jaguar keeper, where Fabbro settled and put it into the back of the net. It’s the 15th career goal for the Canadian, tying Andy Quiceno for third all-time.

The Lady Govs held a shot advantage over South Alabama in the second half (5-3), and earned three corners. But after a shot by Fabbro was saved in the 79th minute, the Jaguars charged forward. Two minutes later, Alyssa Mayer led a break, and sent a deep cross to Chelsea Followwell, who hit it one-time on a low volley.

Down 2-1, freshman Jennifer Smith took two late shots in a comeback effort – one blocked and the other sailing wide right – but it was too little, too late.

“We wanted to come into today’s game and improve our overall team performance from Friday,” Guth said. “It was unfortunate we couldn’t pull out a win, but I am pleased with the progress our team is making.”

Austin Peay returns to Clarksville to begin a three-match homestand beginning 7:00pm, Friday, against Western Illinois.

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