Racers Start Conference Play With a Win

Thursday, September 24

Richmond, Ky.

3 p.m.

Murray State

5-3-0, 1-0-0OVC

Eastern Kentucky

0-9-0, 0-1-0-OVC

Murray State

Eastern Kentucky

Photo by: Dave Winder-Murray State Athletics

9/24/2015 5:36:00 PM | Women's Soccer

Box Score

Second half goals by Harriet Withers and Caroline Ashton helped the Murray State women's soccer team rally from a 1-0 halftime deficit to open OVC play with 2-1 win over Eastern Kentucky Thursday afternoon in at EKU soccer Field in Richmond.

Eastern Kentucky wasted little time in scoring in the contest when Cassie Smith connected with Amani Thomas on a cross in front of the goal in the third minute to give the Colonels an early 1-0 lead. Despite eight shots in the first half, including five on goal, the Racers still couldn't find the back of the net and went to the locker room trailing, 1-0, at the break.

Coming out of halftime, the Racers were in danger of giving up another goal, as Mikala Ferguson's shot was just off target and hit the cross bar. The close call seemed to energize the Racers, however, as they were able to equalize in the 58th minute. Withers scored for MSU when she dribbled down the field, took a shot, then buried the rebound in a open net after Anna Hall's initial save pulled her out of position.

Ashton scored the game-winner in the 82nd minute for Murray State on a play that was set up by nice piece of passing from Lyssie Wright. Wright sent the ball out in from of Ashton, who dribbled past a defender to giver herself great position, eventually finding the bottom right corner of the net and the win for the Racers.

Ashton led all players with five shots and one goal, while Taylor Stevens took three shots and placed one on goal. Shelby Haworth played all 90 minutes for the MSU between the posts and ended the match with four saves and one goal allowed. Murray State is now 5-3 on the season and 1-0 in the Ohio Valley Conference, while Eastern Kentucky falls to 0-9 on the year and 0-1 in the OVC.

The Racers will be at home on Sunday as they take on Saint Louis at 1 p.m. at Cutchin Field. Live stats and streaming will be available at GoRacers.com.