APSU Sports Information
Clarksville, TN – For the first time since 2011, Austin Peay State University women’s soccer team scored seven goals in a single match, leading to a 7-1 victory against Western Illinois, Friday, at Morgan Brothers Soccer Field.
Freshman McKenzie Dixon recorded a hat trick, the first since Tatiana Ariza in 2013, while junior Gina Fabbro‘s two goals moved her into third all-time in career scoring.
The Lady Govs (2-4-0) maintained possession of the ball throughout much of the first half, forcing the Leathernecks (1-5-0) to play on their heels as APSU pressed forward. Dixon asserted herself early on, making skills moves towards the box which led to her first score, in the 22nd minute after blasting a shot past the keeper’s right side.
“I definitely came into the game hungry to score and help make a difference for the team,” Dixon said. “It was really exciting to score and get a hat trick.”
Western Illinois would answer back in the 28th minute, with Brianna Hughes scoring after collecting a low cross from Skyler Jessop.
Four minutes later, the Lady Govs drew a foul in the box, and Dixon calmly collected herself to send a precision strike into the back of the net. Austin Peay held a 13-5 shot advantage by halftime and remained relentless in the final 45 minutes.
“We have to make teams worry about us and what we do,” APSU head coach Kelley Guth said. “The girls went out and did that excellent tonight. They went after this game with a hunger and no letdown attitude. It transcended all over the field. They were determined more so than they have been all season to come out and get a result tonight.”
Fabbro pushed towards the Leatherneck back line in the 54th minute, making a solo run down the left side of the pitch to eventual place an 18-yard shot into the net. After APSU forced a quick turnover, senior Taylor Van Wagner joined in the attack from her new midfield role, scoring from close range after gathering a deflected ball.
Dixon completed the hat trick in the 78th minute in a third variety, firing home a free kick from roughly 25 yards out to extend Austin Peay’s lead to 5-1.
As the clock dropped below eighty minutes, the Lady Govs delivered two late goals. Fabbro connected on a short shot, while freshman Jennifer Smith scored with under a minute remaining after a pass from sophomore Maggie Ethridge.
Sophomore Lindsey Todd earned the win in goal, her second of the season after allowing one goal with three saves. Senior Nikki Filippone played the final 20 minutes, picking up a save.
Austin Peay continues its homestand next weekend with matches against Kennesaw State, Friday, and Alabama State, Sunday.
