Racers Honor Five Seniors In Regular Season Finale Against EKU

Sunday, October 21

Cutchin Field

1 p.m.

Murray State

(11-4-1,7-3)

Eastern Kentucky

(8-7-3,4-3-3)

EKU

Murray State

Photo by: Dave Winder-Murray State Athletics

Racers Honor Five Seniors In Regular Season Finale Against EKU

10/21/2018 5:40:00 PM | Women's Soccer

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The Murray State soccer team honored five seniors as they hosted their final match of the regular-season against Ohio Valley Conference rival Eastern Kentucky at Cutchin Field in Murray Kentucky.

Neither team could muster much offense in the first stanza, as both squads held strong defensively, keeping play around midfield. The Racers looked to have an excellent scoring chance just three minutes into the contest after drawing a free kick just outside the box. Unfortunately for MSU, Abby Jones' shot sailed a little too high, traveling directly into the crossbar and cleared by the EKU defense.

"I think we started really bright," said head coach Matt Lodge. "I think it was one of the brightest starts we have had for maybe 10 or 15 minutes, and then we died off."

Despite the slow offensive start for the Colonels, EKU managed to sneak a goal by the Racers defense nine minutes before the half. EKU's Rachele Manfre sent a cross into the center of the box lining up Erin Torrence to place her shot in the top left corner of the net. With the goal, Eastern Kentucky rode a 1-0 lead into the half on just three shots. The Racers logged six shots of their own with only one on target.

The Racers came out of the halftime break with a sense of urgency, taking 15 shots in the second half compared to the Colonels one. However, EKU's defense proved to be the difference maker, as MSU was limited to just four shots on goal in the half. Still, Murray State showed signs of life until the buzzer sounded, as Joselle Morche nearly converted with an equalizer on a free kick in the 89th minute. Eastern Kentucky's goalkeeper made a leaping grab to maintain the Colonels 1-0 lead and secure the win.

"I think we were really, really good. Credit to EKU for defending for their lives. Their keeper made great saves. It was probably one of the best defensive performances we have seen from a team this year against us," said Lodge.

MATCH NOTES

Among the five seniors recognized Sunday were Caroline Ashton, Katie Brooks, Cori Cain, Lauren Nosal, and Alex Steigerwald. During their four years for the MSU soccer program, the 2018 Senior Class has posted a 50-16-7 record and a 32-4-1 record at Cutchin Field. They also contributed three regular-season OVC titles to Racers soccer from 2015 to 2017, while bringing home hardware from the 2015 and 2017 OVC Championships.

After Friday's win over Morehead State, the Racers clinched the second seed ahead of the 2018 Ohio Valley Conference tournament. Murray State now awaits an opponent to face in the semifinal round (Nov. 2), as the opening kick is set for 4 p.m. in Martin, Tennessee.