APSU Lady Govs Soccer wins first OVC game with strong defensive effort

Austin Peay Sports Information

Clarksville, TN – Combining a strong defense with a rejuvenated attack, Austin Peay State University women’s soccer team defeated Southeast Missouri 2-0 at Morgan Brothers Soccer Field, Friday, for its first Ohio Valley Conference win of the season.

The first half was methodical throughout as both defenses were solid. SEMO had its share of chances, including a 36th-minute free kick which sailed just over the crossbar. The two squads had four shots each in the opening stanza, but the Lady Govs captured momentum in the second courtesy of its back line defense.

Center backs Mary Ruth Locastro and Natalie Smith were strong inside the 18-yard box, clearing through balls to attacking players. This led to APSU’s first goal, a 59th-minute icebreaker by freshman McKenzie Dixon.

After making a run down the right side, sophomore Caroline Wistrom played a cross to Dixon in the box, who headed it past the keeper for her team-leading sixth goal of the year.

Austin Peay continued to win the possession battle in the later stages, which led to the go-ahead goal in the 70th minute. Sophomore Mallory Burman played a ball to junior Nicole Wojcik in the center of the pitch, who juked past the diving keeper for a tap in goal, her fifth of 2015.

The Lady Govs held SEMO to just one shot in the second half and five total, helping sophomore goalkeeper Lindsey Todd pick up the shutout and her fifth win of the season. The Brentwood, TN native made three saves, while Southeast Missouri’s Kindra Lierz made two.

Dixon totaled a game-high four shots, while Wojcik had three. Angie Mann led the Redhawks with three shots.

Austin Peay continues its weekend homestand as it hosts UT Martin, 2:00pm, Sunday.

Box Score