Austin Peay State University Sports Information
Cape Girardeau, MO – Austin Peay State University (APSU) women’s soccer team saw its season come to an end after a 2-1 loss to Southeast Missouri, Sunday, at Houck Field.
The Govs (8-8-1, 3-6-1 OVC) knew a win over the Redhawks (5-8-3, 3-4-3 OVC) would qualify them for the Ohio Valley Conference Tournament.
However, the Redhawks struck first, with their star midfielder Esmie Gonzalez dribbling the ball about 30 yards before unleashing a strike into the top of the net.
Claire Larose had a decent chance right before halftime, but her effort was saved by SEMO goalkeeper Bailey Redden.
Before the second half started, the game between Tennessee Tech and Eastern Illinois went final, with Eastern Illinois winning 2-1. This result meant a draw would also qualify the Govs. It seemed like it was headed that way as Ashley Whittaker picked a very opportune time to score her first goal of the season, finishing past Redden just a minute and eight seconds into the second half.
The Govs pressed for the go-ahead goal, with Renee Semaan grazing the crossbar from a free kick. However, the Redhawks made it 2-1 on their first attempt down the field in the half, with Gonzalez hitting a sweet left-footed half-volley that beat Mary Parker Powell.
Things got worse for the Govs a few minutes later as Morgan Drawdy was shown a second yellow card, meaning the Govs were going to play the remainder of the match with ten men.
The Govs still tried for an equalizer, with the biggest chance falling to Katie Costantino, but her shot drifted agonizingly wide. The Redhawks eventually held off the remaining attacks and won the match.
The match marks the end of some careers for the Govs. Brice Bement, Caroline Wistrom, Pamela Penaloza, Amber Bateman, Jennifer Smith, McKenzie Dixon, Morgan Jackson, Ann Peyton Diffenbaugh, and Katie Costantino all played their final matches in a Gov uniform.
Austin Peay Notably
The Govs finished in tenth in the OVC
The Govs only had one red card the entire season, coming today
The Govs outshot the Redhawks in both halves
The Govs are now only 6-11-2 against the Redhawks all-time
Larose finished as the top goalscorer for the Govs this season with seven
Naomi Kolarova’s Thoughts
On the match
“Obviously we are all very disappointed about the result, but I thought we played well today. We again did not capitalize on our offensive opportunities, however. We battled hard to score a goal in the second half, but allowed a second goal too quickly after.”
On her team
“We went down a man and then showed more grit and fight than I’ve seen all year, but just couldn’t convert those chances again. It’s very frustrating and we will be working on it this offseason. Despite our conference results we still had a decent year overall and I am proud of this team. They are fun loving, hardworking, great people. They will all learn and grow from this experiences we’ve had this year and I hope they all carry some great memories with them.”
On her first senior class
“We had a goal to change the mindset and culture of the program and I think our seniors led the way for that. They have worked hard to uplift teammates, be positive, and work hard no matter what. They set the standard for what we expect of our leaders and senior players on the team. I am grateful for their support and commitment to this program and to Austin Peay. We are going to miss them terribly.”
