Kubin, Watford Goals Lift Racers Past UT Martin For Back-to-Back OVC Title

Sunday, November 4

Martin, Tenn.

2 P.M.

Murray State

13-5-1

UT Martin

15-3-1

Murray State

UT Martin

Photo by: Dave Winder-Murray State Athletics

Kubin, Watford Goals Lift Racers Past UT Martin For Back-to-Back OVC Title

11/4/2018 5:00:00 PM | Women's Soccer

Box Score Photo Gallery Box Score (PDF)

The Murray State soccer team brought the Ohio Valley Conference Tournament Championship hardware back to Murray for the second consecutive year, as the Racers defeated the UT Martin Skyhawks 2-1 at Skyhawk Field in Martin, Tennessee.

Following the win, the Racers snapped not only the Skyhawks' 11-game home win streak, but they also broke UT Martin's 13-match unbeaten streak.

After a scoreless first half, Murray State managed to control the game's tempo coming into the second stanza. MSU speedster Rebecca Kubin managed to break loose in the 47th minute for a one-on-one scoring chance against UT Martin goalkeeper Erica Meyers. The shifty sophomore beat the keeper for the Racers first score of the contest.

Murray State continued to push the offensive attack, and it was Kubin yet again with a prime scoring opportunity at the 55:02 mark. After breaking down the Skyhawks defense for the second time in the match, Kubin's shot sailed directly off the right post. Luckily, Miyah Watford was in the perfect position to reel in the deflection and boot in the putback from four yards out to extend the Racers' lead 2-0.

UT Martin did not go away easily, as Kaci Mitchell sent a 25-yard strike into the back of the net to bring some life back into the Skyhawks offense in the 62nd minute. UTM looked to have another chance after nearly connecting with an equalizer in the sixth minute. Amy McGivern booted a free kick from 30 yards but was denied when senior goalkeeper Alex Steigerwald managed to come up with the save to secure the Racers' 2-1 victory for the OVC crown.

The efforts of Steigerwald and the MSU defensive back line held UT Martin, the top scoring team in the OVC, to 13 shots with only four on goal. Karsyn Hasch, Izzy Heckman, Joselle Morche, and Alex Steigerwald (MVP) each represented Murray State on the 2018 OVC All-Tournament Team for their defensive efforts during the tournament.

With the win and for the fourth time in MSU history, the Racers have earned an automatic bid to the 2018 NCAA tournament. All Racer fans are invited to the NCAA College Cup Selection Show Watch Party. The event will be held Monday, Nov. 5 at 3:30 p.m. in the Murray Room at the CFSB Center. Refreshments will be provided.

2018 OVC All-Tournament Team

Henar Urteaga, Eastern Illinois
Lindsey Carlson, Eastern Illinois
Zoe Aguirre, Eastern Kentucky
Monica Rios, Eastern Kentucky
Sara Ketis, UT Martin
Jacalyn Schubring, UT Martin
Danae Kaldaridou, UT Martin
Izzy Heckman, Murray State
Karsyn Hasch,, Murray State
Joselle Morche, Murray State
Alex Steigerwald, Murray State (MVP)